This post is an update and a ‘see you later’.  Today’s anniversary snuck up on us and that is a gift that I can’t even begin to explain.  This journey has been a constant whir of numbers, days, milestones, months, and measurement.  Lab work every day has turned into once a month.  The anxiety of the what-if has faded and ‘boring’ (health-wise) has settled in.  These are the days that we prayed for, boring.

Today is the fourth anniversary of the biggest gift that our family has, and hopefully will ever, receive.  I don’t even have words for what the Cade family means to us.  Aaron is our literal Angel on Earth.  His selfless willingness to put his own life on the line to save Jake’s can’t even be explained, I am still speechless.  My heart is just now moving far enough away from survival mode to really think about his sacrifice.  Aaron, Heidi, Kinzie, and Ryleigh…thank you.  

To our kids:  you will probably read this, if not now, someday.  I want you to know and remember three things.  First, you three make everything in this world worth fighting for and we love (and are proud of you) beyond words.  Second, your dad is a badass.  Third, what Mr. Cade did for your dad is what the very best of people looks like.  Remember that and when you can, even in the smallest of ways, mirror that.  Capture that light in your hearts and share it with others.  

To Jake: you my dear, are the strongest person that I know.  I am in constant awe of your ability to not only literally survive but to give back and give more of yourself.  Your determination and strength are unmatched in my eyes.  I love you.

Finally, there may be bumps in the road to come but it is my hope and prayer that this page is just one to share the needs of others from now on.  There are so many families that are climbing their mountain right now and it is our wish that you say an extra prayer for them.  If you know us, you know that we are fairly private.  This page was a HUGE step out of our comfort zone and a cry for help when we found out that none of us were a match for Jake.  This journey has fundamentally, completely, changed us.  In talking to a friend this week that is in the middle of their climb I can’t help but think about how incredibly grateful I am for community.  I am grateful for our family.  Thank you for being our champions and support.  

We love you.