Jeremiah 29:11
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Today is Tammy's birthday. The tabloids are all over it, because she was born 51 years ago today, yet she has the DNA of a 38-year-old. And a male at that. Hmmm.
A year ago, we celebrated her birthday while celebrating even more that she was still with us. Even though things were going smoothly in her post-transplant recovery, we were thanking God for every day she was with us. We still praise God daily for His blessings, including blessing us with a healthy Tammy.
We've posted a picture of her from a year ago and one from today. She's still the most beautiful girl in the world. Her hair is back, and even a little bit curly. Most people who meet her for the first time have no idea of what she's been through so recently.
It's been a while since we've posted. The last entry was after her one-year check-up in late-April. The doctor gave her permission to go back to church and to consider going back to work. We celebrate worshiping together every week. It took a little longer to get enough stamina to start looking for work, but she's had a couple of interviews and hopes to be working part-time soon.
Doctors are still very encouraged by Tammy's progress. The doctors and nurses tell her how much they enjoy having her visit the clinic because she is such a great success story. It lets them know that what they're doing works.
As she waits for a job, she spends her time working on crossword puzzles and taking care of the house. I am doing a better job of helping out around the house, but she's able to do everything but clean the cat litter (oh, joy!). Yesterday, she drove to the airport to say good-bye to our church's short-term Poland missions team. We look forward to going back to Poland ourselves—next May for David Lee's wedding and many times after that.
We know many of you have continued to keep her in your prayers, and we are thankful for that. As we have said many times, we have been carried on a pillow of prayers during this whole journey.
Recently, at a business networking group I attend, the ice-breaker question was “What is your favorite summer activity in Kansas City?” People mentioned Starlight Theater, Royals games or the various art fairs throughout the community. I said, “This summer, even more than in the past, it's sitting on our front porch swing, holding hands with my Sweetheart.” (That drew a chorus of “Awwww's.”)
As we commemorate another year of blessings with Tammy, we hope you take the time to celebrate the way God has blessed you over the past year.
