Tonight, Facebook reminded me that Josiah and I were at Disneyland with his High School band in April 2023. It was a wonderful trip in many ways, but it was also challenging, due to the heart failure.

Day 1, after the band got to do some recording at the Imagination Studio, the rest of the band went back to the hotel to unload their instruments. Josiah and I stayed at the park and rested because he was feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

I had secured a Disability Pass, which is the equivalent of a Lightning Pass, which allowed him to rest between rides. Walking around the park was exhausting, but he had a great time anyway, thanks to a good friend, Marek, who was willing to go slow with us through the day.

Day 2 was their big performance, after which, we all went back to the hotel to change clothes and unload the instruments. Josiah fell asleep until dinner time, when we were finally able to head back to the park. We got to meet up with sweet band friends throughout the park, and enjoy a good chunk of time.

Day 3 was their free day at the park. Unfortunately, he had caught a cold. He never made it back to the park.

He used to get sick often, and while we are still avoiding viruses so he will be ready whenever he gets the call for a new heart, he hasn’t been sick in a while.

Since he got the LVAD, he no longer deals with the extreme dizziness or levels of exhaustion. The LVAD has lessened those heart failure symptoms dramatically.

To demonstrate the contrast, Josiah was able to attend our church’s Men’s Retreat this past weekend. He had a good time and didn’t have any major health issues. He participated in games and didn’t miss any sessions due to needing to nap. What a blessing!

Thanking God for these gifts of good days!