It's a Marathon

It has been over 5 months since Jed was put on the double transplant waiting list. He has now spent over a full month at home out of the hospital. We are thankful for this time out of the hospital.

Last Thursday he had a check-up back in Madison and the Doctor was pleased that since last month his lung function has stayed steady between 14-16%, he has gained 5 pounds, and still able to complete the walk test needed to stay on the transplant list.  It appears that keeping Jed in a “bubble” is currently working.

We have found a new rhythm of life. It is working to keep Jed healthy. Jed is very limited in what he does and who he sees. His number one priority these days is to stay healthy.

As happy as we are that his health is holding up better it has been a struggle for Jed to have these limitations. It can feel at times that our lives have been put on hold in the midst of this waiting season. We have days where we say “How long, O Lord?” Psalms 13: 1, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” These are days we have to remind each other, “God is still present.”

As Jed says, “It is a marathon.” In a race one must pace themselves and stay the course. We need to stay focused on the goal, even when it may not be in sight. It takes perseverance to finish the race. Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” We must choose to remain hopeful and not allow the mental battle that can so easily steal our joy.

We will continue running this marathon with the diligence of keeping Jed healthy and encouraging one another to press on. We have also felt the blessing of being close to family and friends who have come along side of us and our kids during this season.

We know we are blessed to have four grandparents involved and invested in our lives. Everything from my Mom’s cooking and cleaning and my Dad’s coaching CJ in baseball to Jed’s Dad helping Jed and playing with CJ and Jed’s Mom hanging out with Kylie and having us over for dinner. Of coarse our kids love playing with their cousins and spending time with their Aunts and Uncles too. We have had overwhelming support through prayer and have received generous gifts from people and our church home. It is such an honor to know people are praying for us daily all over the country.

Like in any race when you start to doubt your ability to make it to the finish line, it is often the people cheering you on from the sidelines that keep you moving forward.
Thank you!