April 3, 2008


They say there’s no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole. That may be true, but I can tell you that when you get out of that hole and reach another objective under fire, it’s time to sing His praises even more.

We got great news today. First of all, I know several of you have been worried about Garrett’s upcoming biopsy. After his check up today, I pinned the transplant coordinator down and encouraged a no B.S. reading on what is happening. Garrett is in good shape. His weight is ok, although they want to see him gain more, he has not lost any more. His blood work is a little bit off again, but it’s a balancing act. His heart looks fantastic and going strong. He has good energy and even got scolded today for playing too hard J

The biopsy is necessary to take a look at everything. Because of his history of issues within the first year or so of his first transplant and the sudden deterioration prompting the need for the new heart, they want to stay on top of it. They are putting it out another month so we can have a certain doctor do the surgery. He’ll have to have another at six months and again at one year post transplant. They are not without risks and will be stressful, we are with them in agreement.

The great news is that if he continues to progress as he has, we’ll be home in June!! It’s a double edged sword, because it also means that he’ll be weaned off of most of the drugs he’s on right now that give him some protection, and that will leave his immune system even more at risk. But, his body will be stronger and since home is where it is, the chances of contacting a lot of outside people will be minimized. Just knowing we’re just two months or so from possibly being home is incredible news!!!! We're not cashing that check until it clears, but I have a good feeling about it. He's shown time and agian that he has no quit in him anywhere!

I need to share one other thing I heard today from a good friend who is a helicopter pilot with the Pennsylvania State Police. His wife got a premonition today that Garrett is “a one hundred year old soul, and a warrior who will be around for many, many years”. I think God speaks to a lot of people in a lot of different ways, and it’s neat to hear something like that from someone so far away.

We cherish the friendships and genuine loving concern from so many. We’ve even heard from folks we’ve never met from all across the US and outside the country. Garrett and Jessi even got a gift this week from some troops in Iraq. So our prayers tonight in part, are for the men and women so far away from home who lay it all on the line each day, protecting the freedoms we often take for granted.

Everyone is better today after hearing the news of hopefully coming home before summer’s out. There is more good news to come. I believe it with every breath. It don’t mean we won’t have an off day here and there, but the littlest Cowboy has a warrior’s heart and many gifts to brag about for years to come.

God Bless you all,
JD