A few thoughts from Joel

Wow. Life comes at ya fast sometimes.

Things I'm thinking/feeling:

• What incredible humans I'm surrounded by. Family, friends, community showing up in every way imaginable, quicker than could be dreamed. So, so grateful. 
• My heart hurts for all those around me, who have had their lives flipped upside down by this. Thank you all for all the ways you have and will support each other. You're all an inspiration to me. 
• I'm at peace. I don't know what's to come, either in surgery or after, but I have a deep sense of peace. I've felt held, cared for, supported, and loved in every way possible. 
• Joy and the girls have been everything amazing. That's not really a surprise to anyone that knows them, but it's worth saying clearly and loudly. They're just the best. 
• I'm not in pain. I feel entirely abnormal & sleep deprived & medication side effects & such, but all things considered, I'm doing just fine.
• I feel supported by the mystery of faith. Mystery has long been a primary tenet of my faith experience and that mystery has further deepened and grown over the past week.

We walk into the hospital for surgery tomorrow (Wednesday, April 10) at 6am. It's expected to last most of the day. I'll get a brand new MRI pre-surgery and at least one (maybe more!) mid-surgery to make sure they're getting all the goods out while the getting's good. We'll try to get any updates posted as we're able, but there will likely be a long period of silence on here. Then the plan is a step-down unit, then a regular room, across several days. 

Once they've got my bonus brain resected, they can run tests on it to see what the deal is while I recover. We'll figure out a treatment plan from there once we know what we're dealing with.

Thank you. All the messages, texts, emails, follows, love...everything...has been such a deep encouragement. Thank you.

PS - for those supportive of TomTod, the team has been beyond description in thought, action, and support. I have every confidence in them and you can follow their updates here.