Sunday, August 17, 2008

A new chapter

Kevin is amazing. I was so thrilled to see him last night and felt frustrated that I could only give him a gentle kiss and touch his head. I wanted to hug him forever. It was a joyous moment to be together again.

His progress is going well. He doesn't complain even though he has alot he could complain about. I can see in his face that he is uncomfortable. He does tell me he is weak, tired, has pain in various places in his body and has discomfort in his chest. "Just a little", he says. Today he is less talkative than yesterday coming out of anesthesia. The drugs allowed him to be funny in that groggy kind of way. Kevin has the will to recover quickly, but has limitations as he should at this point in recovery. He did sit in a chair today twice and is on a liquid diet, yet isn't hungry, but plenty thirsty.

It seems redundant to keep saying that things always work out when they are in the Lord's hands, yet it's true. We have been astounded at how incredibly fast the new heart came after having the heart from Mayo turned down. This was a more perfect heart for Kevin and we are all close to home. He can see our girls and our families much easier. The best part is that he will be with Jeremy, Alexandria, Sam and Michelle in October at Rebecca's wedding! That will be a family reunion to remember. An anniversary to remember will be Sam and Michelle's. The day of their wedding is the day Kevin received his new heart.

His birthday is on Tues. this week. I asked him what he wanted; he responded he already got it.

More to come - I'm sure you all will be thrilled to see his next blog(s) . I know I will.

Bless you all,
Barbie

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are so happy for you. I was checking the computer frequently the past 2 days waiting to hear that you are doing great. I hope your recovery is smooth. We are all thinking of you here.

Anonymous said...

Dear Barbie: So very happy Kevin is doing well. He is strong and has a positive attitude. He told us his goal is to walk Rebecca down the asile at her wedding. We are so happy he will have that chance. It was important to him to be close to family and his wish came true. Even though we only met one day I thank him for the support and information he provided. I know how much he was hurting inside to know he couldn't help someone. I told him let the doctors take care of you and you take care of me. Tell me everything you know about this terrible disease we share, the tests I have taken and will take. I could see and hear in his voice the doctor and it was so comforting. I wish you and your family many blessings. Please keep the messages coming. It is so very uplifting for me. It keeps me going when I'm down. Tell Kevin Hi. Hope to meet you soon. God bless you both. Debbie Douglas

2ndHeartBeat said...

I'm glad to hear Kevin is doing well. I'm glad you are as well. I was more worried about my wife, than I was for myself after my heart transplant. Too often the caregivers ignore themselves. Make sure everyone eats and rests.

Fries Family said...

Oh my gosh, I could not be more happy. Congratulations!

Wendy said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

Love, us
(alan, wendy, max, and lilly)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Kevin
...And many more!

Anonymous said...

Wow! How wonderful! We do live in an age of miracles. Although we can’t see with our eyes, all these things evidence God’s presence and love for his faithful children. I hope you both are keeping detailed journal entries as this is one of the events of which Elder Eyring spoke. While there are many steps to climb yet, this one sure has a beautiful scenic view. Love and blessings to you both, The Millers

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Kevin and may you enjoy many more.
The Millers

Anonymous said...

AMAZING! God is good. I am so happy for you.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Kevin!
We love you and are praying for you. Thank you for the opportunity for sharing this Journey with you. I had a wonderful time with your family this last week in San Diego. They are very supportive, loving, caring, understanding and willing to do whatever is needed to help out. You are very lucky to have a family bond like this. Thank you to all for making Barbie's week much easier and also Thad for teaching me to boogie board. Kathie

Emma and Dan said...

Happy birthday, Kevin! (and Parker too) :)
We are so thrilled at how well things have worked out. You are very deserving of all the good that comes your way. Elena and I were so happy to be able to see you last week and Dan wishes he could have been there too.
We are -as usual- amazed at how God works everything out.

marniandgarth said...

Kevin and Barbie,
We are so happy to hear about these miracles that have taken place in your lives. Truly amazing. Prayers are answered and like you said Barbie, things always work out when they are in the Lord's hands. You guys are pretty darn awesome! Hang in there Kevin!!!
Marni and Garth

Unknown said...

A very, very Happy Birthday to you Kevin! I hope and pray you will just continue to feel stronger everyday!
Feliz cumpleanos!
Love,
Jennifer W.

Anonymous said...

Kevin,
Happy Happy Birthday! It's great that you got your birthday wish. I hope your recovery is going quickly and that you got to enjoy your birthday. Get better soon. The world is anxiously waiting your recovery.

Linda Reichert