Happy Thanksgiving from St. Louis.This year, Thanksgiving looks a little different but we are no less thankful. While our setting has changed, our hearts have never been fuller. We are thankful for life itself.

As I think back over the last weeks, we are amazed at what God has done for us. It has been a whirlwind of trials and miracles, but His love has been evident in every single step. We are so incredibly thankful that Jake is off ECMO and his new heart and new liver are doing the work! While he is still on the ventilator, his lungs are continuing to make progress every day, and we are praying he can be removed from it soon.

We are thankful for God’s grace. When we faced the terrifying news of blood clots in Jake’s brain. God provided a miracle.

We are thankful for God’s protection. During a cath for biopsy, they were able to find and remove clots from Jake’s SVC before they could cause any damage.

We are thankful for the glimpses of Jake we see each day. Because he is stable, they have been able to lower his sedation. After what seemed like an eternity, seeing his personality shine through the fog of sedation is the greatest gift I could ask for.

We are thankful for the donor and their family. Their selfless gift is the reason we have hope this Thanksgiving. We honor them with every breath Jake takes.

We are also thankful for you, our prayer warriors, family, friends, and all of you who are following along on Jake’s journey. You have supported us, encouraged us and lifted us up. Today, we are tired, but we are grateful. And the road to recovery is just the beginning.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1