Wes is doing extremely well. He’s been downgraded out of the ICU and living among the common folk now. 

He had his first heart biopsy post operation. This will be a monthly occurrence for the next year to monitor the health of his heart tissue and continually look for signs of rejection. 

Interestingly, Wes’s surgeon told us that the first transplant was in 1967 and the patient lived for only 18 days. The two game changers in the last 50 years that make the current post transplant survival at UW, 14 years, are the anti-rejection meds and biopsies. The doctor also told us that Wes is in the age group with the highest potential of success and longevity. 

Every time I’m overdue for a Caringbridge update, Tammy starts getting texts inquiring about how Wes is doing.  It might surprise you to know,  based on my often lengthy posts, that I struggle with what to say and how much to share. I don’t like the uncomfortable tension between disseminating information and oversharing our feelings. It feels too vulnerable and exposed. I’m learning, though, that vulnerability takes risk and courage in the face of uncertainty. In our vulnerability, people are invited into our experience and in that process we find connection, strength and healing.

Let’s close this post with a little lighthearted fun. If you really know Wes, you’d know he absolutely loves trivia. He is a faithful Jeopardy watcher, Trivial Pursuit fan from back in the day, and a self proclaimed king of useless knowledge! So in that spirit, here’s a silly trivia question for you.

In 2023, which village is credited for helping Wes survive a heart transplant? 

A) The village in Taisan, China, where we trace our Chin roots to.

B) Value Village because being cheap is in Wes’s DNA and has served him well in life. 

C) Green Village from Seattle’s Chinatown in the 90s with the best chicken fried rice ever.

D) You. Our #WesStrong Village. Established 2016, giving endless support through your thoughts, prayers, well wishes, meals, encouragement and love. 

Thank you for being our village! Your prize for getting the trivia right is the picture of Wes. ❤️