We spent our first weekend of being at home taking it easy. Watching Jake settle back into his own life has been a series of beautiful little moments I didn’t know I needed. But my favorite part has been having Jake back with his siblings! He’s also been inseparable from his cat, Vader, who seems just as relieved to have his human back as the rest of us.

Jake started working with his home therapy teams last week and he put his determination on full display. After his first cardiac rehab session, his wheelchair was ready and waiting. I expected him to be wiped out. But in true Jacob fashion, he not only refused a ride, he chose to walk the stairs instead of taking the elevator as well. To see that kind of fire in him is so reassuring. We are already seeing the incredible power of his new heart and liver. He is also hitting every one of his protein, calorie, and water goals every day.

Because of the winter storm hitting this weekend, Jake’s 10-week heart catheterization and biopsy in St. Louis were moved to Thursday. We never look forward to heading back to the hospital, so this delay has let us enjoy the weekend celebrating. We spent it reclaiming our favorite parts of the holidays we missed while away. We had a special Thanksgiving meal to give thanks for the blessings of this past year. We enjoyed a Christmas movie marathon, followed by our very own “New Year’s” midnight countdown. We may be a little late, but celebrating these milestones feels more meaningful than ever.

Please keep Jake in your prayers as he continues to work hard in therapies this week and as we travel to St Louis for his Cath and biopsy on Thursday.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

Psalm 30:2