Happy New Year

New Year's Day passed uneventfully for us as we logged another day on the road to recovery.  We've settled into a routine in which we try to get in three daily walks around the hospital corridors for exercise.  Thankfully, it's a big hospital but I'm afraid we've come pretty close to seeing it all.  It's been pretty cold out here so going outside hasn't been very appealing, and Jennifer is still encumbered with a lot of IV bags and such, but nevertheless we yesterday were able to find a corner of an interior courtyard here where the sun was streaming in.  Even though the temp was only in the thirties we were actually able to get quite comfortable in the sun - the first time Jen has been outside in eight days.  I can't tell just how good it felt to have the sun on our faces.

We've also been able to make the acquaintance of other families who are here from around the country to see Dr. Sugarbaker.  One such family is a couple from Portland, Oregon named Randy and Kristin.  They have two young children ages 3 and 5 back home.  Kristin had the same surgery Jennifer had, plus some post operative chemo, and they have been here since around 13th or so.  Another family we met last night just had their surgery a couple of days ago.  They are from central Tennessee and have young children as well.  Really nice people all, and in getting to know them one is struck by the random nature of disease, it's willingness to strike both young and old, of lives interrupted and plans changed.  But something else is clearly present too:  families coming together, love offered, accepted and shared, and strength of faith and character.  It's nice to get to meet people like this and helps to provide a human touch in an environment of literal sterility.  

Jennifer's sister Juliette returned home on New Year's Eve and, after the requisite 4 hour fog delay in SFO, is now safely back home in Chico, CA.  We both want to thank her for coming out to help, and at no small personal sacrifice of time and resources.  Thanks Juliette!

Happy New Year to everyone back home!  We continue to appreciate your warm comments and look forward to seeing you, and hopefully soon.