Erin has grabbed ahold of this phrase and run with it, surpassing not only the doctors’ expectations and predictions, but even her own. Friday she was officially discharged from the hospital, 2 weeks and 2 days after her transplant! I found us the ONLY lodging option available in all of Madison for the next five weeks (We technically need to be here for six, but I am optimistic!). So, I signed on the dotted line Thursday afternoon, walked into our furnished apartment, only to realize this particular lease did not include furniture!!!!! I will laugh about this someday, but needless to say I was swearing more than laughing at that point. Family to the rescue….by Saturday afternoon, we had a couple of blow-up air mattresses, a TV, toaster oven, 2 recliners, dishes, towels, pots and pans, end tables and a card table and chairs….and our 630 sq ft apartment felt a little more like home.

We will have weekly doctor appointments including lab draws, walk tests, and lung function tests, along with pulmonary rehab twice a week. Her first biopsy bronchoscopy will be June 17 where they will test for any signs of rejection. She will meet with the ENT on June 24 to evaluate her paralyzed vocal cords and determine if there are any viable surgical options. And as her doctor says, ‘Every day is leg day!’ and she will be exercising those new lungs every day as much as possible.

Today feels extra special and extra hard all in the same breath. It is the first day where I have had a minute to relax and reflect on the incredible miracle that has allowed my girl yet another chance at life and it is the 10th anniversary of my mom’s passing. While I know she would have been here every step of the way (most likely cleaning!), I have no doubt she and the rest of our angel warriors (from my dad and brother to Paul’s Grammy and Gramps, to Lauren and Matt (our CF and transplant warriors/friends) and our donors) have been watching every step of the way. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support.