2 years ago from today. ..

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December 3rd 2007

I don't actually have a journal date for this day. I guess I was just too busy to write in it. I had just been released from the Pocatello Hospital and had to hurry home. We had a lot to get ready for that night. I was flying out to Pittsburgh for my transplant evaluation the next morning.

I had the fundraiser that family and friends in my community had planned. We were having a spaghetti feed along with a raffle of some great items donated by a lot of people. I was feeling pretty good. . .or at least acted like I did. I truly was happy to see so many people come out and support me and show me so much love. It is a humbling and special feeling. My family & Bryans family helped get it all organized and the location set. With a special thanks to Nikkii and Bryans Mom and sisters. We pre-sold tickets which Sindy had made (they looked great). I had contacted the Segway dealer in Idaho Falls and they said they would love to bring some segways down and do segway rides. We also had a friend of the family's father who was a professional auctioneer do the auction~ it was great! So many people volunteered thier time and donated money so I would be able to get new lungs. My family helped with food and setting up. Revieiving so much genuine charity is an amazing blessing in itself. It is hard to tell people you need help. . . .to ask them to help . . . and they all wanted to help and did. So many of my family members donated money, my friends in the community, business owners, absolute strangers. I couldn't believe the generosity of so many at a time when money was probably tight.

I enjoyed seeing everyone. . . .it was difficult to say goodbye as everyone left, because there was a high chance it would be the last time I saw them in this life. I know that I ran out of oxygen during the party and Bryan had to run out to the car to get a new bottle. . . .in just a minute or so, I was very distressed. I tried to hide it from everyone. ..but when you know your body is dying without the supplimental oxygen, there is really no hiding it. Panick, pure fearful panick fills your entire being. I knew that if Pittsburgh turned me down, I was going to die very soon. I was prepared to die, I was exhausted but not finished fighting. The party wound down really pretty late, by the time everything was cleaned up. The auction was great and we ran out of spaghetti. It was truly a night I will never forget. . . a real Christmas miracle. So many gave so much to save just one life. I didn't know how I was going to afford the expenses of the transplant, moving so far from home. But I knew I was doing the right thing and through Faith, I knew the Lord would provide a way. In one night he provided what we needed.

I wonder sometimes. . . .how many miracles can one be blessed with? I am not sure but I have had my fair share. I pray I may be able to see many more.

Thank You to all that gave~ I owe my life to so many and I will never forget your love and charity!

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