Living R Lives Together: What a difference a Year Makes

What a difference a year makes indeed. Around this time exactly one year ago, we were in ICU with our son Matt, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. After 7 hours (more because the actual surgery was delayed several hours), the tumor, 20 lymph nodes, 1 1/2 organs were removed. By all indications the surgery was a complete success. Now the recovery begins.

Fast forward to today, November 15, 2012. Matt is continuing to choose healthy choices, he has regular check ups with his oncologist here in DE and he will be seeing his surgeon, the middle of next month. Matt continued working on his doctorate throughout his surgery and recovery and is now ABD!!! He has been back at "full throttle" for several months now and he is doing very well.

Today when I awoke, the first thing I thought of was where I was this time last year. Sitting with our son in the waiting area, praying with him and over him, as was his dad, sister and brother-in-law! Even today, 365 days later, I will never forget that feeling. So thankful that we have our hope in the Lord, because I don't know how I functioned the rest of that long, waiting day. Jim was only 6-weeks post-op (his kidney transplant) himself, but had permission to go to the hospital so we could all be there together.

Man, what an amazing journey. Today was another day of "pondering all these things in her heart." as Mary, the mother of Jesus often. My heart is overflowed with gratitude and thanksgiving, and as I've mentioned to Matt several times, God has great plans for him, that is obvious. Thankful doesn't describe it. These pictures say it all!