12.28.11

The past several months have been life changing to say the least!  I have seen God's guidance, healing, and comfort grow in me through Jim and Matt's surgeries.  The last several months have also shown me something that I've tried to express in my other (personal) blog about enjoying and learning something every day for the blessings as well as the unexpected events that are in my 24-hour time frame.  My hope in His plan, and His way has grown stronger as well.

I can not say that I have had days throughout these last several months where my heart was heavy, the tears poured quickly from my eyes, but I can say with confidence, my Hope in the planned outcome never faltered.

I "preached my little sermon" to basically show you all that have been following this blog, that it is because of your prayers, support, encouragement we have all grown in our walk and are changed for the good because of these experiences.

Matt has been back at his condo since Christmas night and is doing well.  He will not be able to lift anything heavier than a typical grocery bag for some time and will not be able to start back to his exercise training for awhile as well, but he is able to drive and walk as often as possible.  He can begin his regular routine with the stipulations mentioned about.  He continues to listen to his body and over a period of time his stamina is getting better. He will be having followup visits with a local oncologist and regular followups with his internist as well as a yearly exam with Dr. Lavu (Jefferson-surgeon) for the next 5 years.  As we have mentioned to Matt, God has great plans for his life.  He has a definite purpose in mind for just Matt.  Matt definitely realizes this and sees how blessed his life truly is and is looking forward to the adventures that are coming his way. GIG

Jim continues to do well and we have an appointment this Friday which is not only a regular transplant appointment, but we are looking forward to getting the biopsy results from Jim's 3-month routine kidney biopsy procedure.  We are not expecting any issues and are thankful for how things continue to progress for Jim.  He continues to work on building his stamina and he is very compliant, as he was before his surgery...all signs of uneventful, success recovery.

Thank you for the prayers, thoughts, encouragements.  This will probably be one of the last posts I will do on this particular blog.  I'd love for you to follow my babblings on my personal blog if you choose to from time-to-time.  http://livingrlivestogether.blogspot.com/

May you look forward to the blessings, known and unknown that are planned for you and yours in 2012.  God is in control and I'm so thankful that He is.

~Tina