Jake and I are back in St. Louis today, and I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of appreciation. We are here for specialist visits and testing, but there is one major difference this time, not a single one of the appointments is heart-related.

This trip is a post-discharge follow-up. Our schedule is packed. We saw Hematology today, and will see Neurology, Psychology, Endocrinology, and Liver, as well as having a head CT and a post-ECMO evaluation. While every one of these appointments is vital for Jacob’s long-term health, the familiar “knot” of dread in my stomach is different this time. I’m still anxious, who wouldn’t be? Returning to the place where you fought so many battles is heavy and I know this weight is sitting on Jakes shoulders even more, but the overwhelming that this appt might be the one that sends us into surgery has been replaced by hope. God has blessed Jacob’s recovery in so many ways we couldn’t have imagined. He brought us through each difficulty stronger.

The second thing I can’t stop thinking about is just how blessed we are by the amazingpeople in our lives. Through every procedure, hospital stay, and uncertain hour, your prayers have lifted us up and carried us forward. We know the power of prayer because we are proof of it.

As we head back down, we ask for those prayers once again. Please pray for positive results from Jake’s head CT, calm and boring appointments with no surprises, and encouraging progress on his recovery evaluations.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6