Jim and Tina's 2011 End-of-the-year Newsletter



May peace be your gift at Christmas and your Blessing all year through!

 As we look back over the year in preparation for writing this letter, 2011 has been a rather typical year for the Wilson family with events such as birthdays and anniversary (31st) celebrations, our annual February vacation in Florida, cheering and jeering the Phillies and Eagles. However, this year has been very unusual for reasons which will be elaborated upon below.


In April, Tina called Jim while he was on a business trip in San Antonio, Texas that Stephanie Moglia has been identified as a potential kidney donor. (For more information, go to http://www.dccmf.org/r_newsletters.html and see the Fall, 2011 newsletter). At that time, little did we know that the transplant would later in the year, become nearly an all-consuming event.


The summer months brought some mixed news as we celebrated regarding Lindsay gaining employment following several months of searching. At the same time, Megan had a disconcerting medical event which damped things a bit. We also enjoyed trips to Longwood and Winterthur Gardens as well as a marvelous fireworks and music display event with close friends. We all served as staff members at the week of Sr. High 1 session at Camp Manatawny. In August our family spent a week together at a resort in Southern Delaware and had a fantastic time!


Late August, Matt was taken to the emergency room for what turned out to be a kidney stone and he needed to follow up on what appeared to be a shadow on his pancreas. It was later learned that Matt had a malignant tumor in his pancreas which is extremely rare for someone his age. In November he had the tumor removed and we are rejoicing that his prognosis is very good, he is cancer-free and that he will only need to have follow-up exams yearly for the next 5 years as his ongoing treatment. As he has said a number of times, "thank God for the Kidney stone!”


In September, two significant events occurred. Jim was promoted to the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wilmington University and he had a very successful kidney transplant! Interesting timing one might say!


A milestone was reached in October when our grandson, Jackson turned one year old! This brought some much needed joy for all!


Now it is December and as we write this letter, both Matt and Jim are doing well. Jim is working half days and Matt is recovering at our home. Tina has been very busy serving as nurse, social worker and main care giver for the last 4 months and looks forward to giving up such intense roles in the coming New Year!


While we look forward to a less stressful 2012, the events of this year remind us that we are so blessed and thankful! Our family, friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ, and coworkers who have showered us with much love and support, as well as loving individuals such as Stephanie, Bobby and their families who provided care and encouragement for them as she gave such a wonderful gift to our family through her donation of her kidney. Our list could go on!


May you and your family find much happiness and joy during this holiday season and the coming year!


The Wilsons ~ Jim and Tina