Easter is the ultimate story of hope. For our family, that message has never been more clear than this Easter. Last Easter, things felt anything but hopeful. We were sitting in the Children’s Hospital in St Louis, recovering from an emergency surgery. After an ER visit in Peoria, our world was turned upside down. We barely had time to grab a bag before we heading toSt. Louis, not knowing what was waiting for us when we arrived. One of the hardest parts was the unknown. We left not knowing if we would be coming home before transplant. It felt like we were leaving our old life behind and wondering if when we came back, we would recognize the life we had.
We spent two weeks recovering and learning how to navigating the world of transplant. Jake went through evals from head to toe and met more specialists than I can remember. We heard the terrifying realities of transplant, the risks, the statistics, the good and the bad. We knew the road ahead was long and that even after having surgery, another, bigger surgery was still to come. It was a season of holding our breath.
Today the view is very different. Easter is the celebration of Jesus overcoming death. This year, we have a front row view of that exact power over death being shown through Jacob’s story. Today, Jacob is living with a whole, working heart and a perfect liver. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to go from that hospital room a year ago, full of fear and unknowns to celebrating with family at home. Fear has been replaced by a future.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” — 1 Peter 1:3
We know that this new life was an incredible act of love. Just as we celebrate the gift of the Resurrection, we also honor the selfless gift of Jacob’s donor and their family. Because of their sacrifice during their darkest hour, this Easter is filled with a hope. Last year, we were waiting for a miracle. This year, we’re living in one.
“He is not here; he has risen!”
Luke 24:6
Happy Easter, everyone!
