a new day

I (Ali) am back! Jack is out of ICU and into a room with a beautiful view. We are both moving forward with our healing and even more grateful for the little things we take for granted: sun on our face, familiar faces, food, a deep breath. Meanwhile, Sam and Pop are holding down the fort at home. I don't think my step-dad has ever been so domesticated in his life - laundry, dishes, diapers, etc. As my step-dad (pop) says "god must have a sense of humor" because now he is the only one allowed to change Sam's dirty diapers. Totally fine by me!

So, Jack was able to sit on mom + dad's lap yesterday and even indulging in some hospital delicacies. I almost tipped over when they delivered a cheeseburger, tator tots, canned green beans, and chocolate chip cookies to him in ICU. A sweet and generous offer but a little overzealous. A feeding tube has been placed back in his nose (which we are familiar with) and the plan will be to ween him off this slowly and get him on solids. He is definitely showing interest and even had a pizza ordered to his bed to share with Uncle Tim & Jeff last night.

Jack's progress is excellent. They are wrestling with a few issues all of which are expected after transplant and manageable. In general, the main goal at this point is to get the anti-rejection drug he is receiving to the appropriate level before he can be discharged which is as early as FRIDAY! Unbelievable. Wow.

There are no words to capture how very grateful we are to all of you for following and supporting us through this. Your emails on the blog have given every member of the family a huge lift. Massive hugs and love to the Anusara community, locally and to the kula gathering in Denver this week. Your meals and prayers are so heartfelt. Grandpa Bob (aka: pop) - thank you for sitting by my bed in that ridiculously uncomfortable rocking chair all night long and for being dedicated to service (a true yogi). Thanks to Jeff who slept overnight with Jack last night so Harry could come home to his own bed and Sam. Thanks to Uncle Tim for getting Jack to eat food and laugh. To our mpls friends... you guys rock. We can't wait for the kegger! To my girls (you know who you are) - thank you for staying so close and for the beautiful gift. Laurel - thank you for driving my mom to pick up food at my favorite restaurant even though I don't remember eating it. Mom + Jim... I can't even go here with you yet. Just stick around for a few more days... please. And.. thanks to Jackie + Joe (harry's folks) who so clearly have raised the most unbelieveably patient, strong, loving, husband, father, and friend anyone could ever ask for. Thank you all.

Keep your prayers and thoughts flowing. We still have a long road ahead but the sun is shining on it.

We love you all,

Ali