Can you believe it has been over 5 years since I have posted anything? I always feel a bit strange posting things about my life, on the internet. But I guess if people are going to hack you or try to gain any information about you they will find a way.
Things have been pretty good these past few years. This past July, I had my 10 year transplant anniversary. Like I have said many times before, it is a day of mixed emotions for me and Monica. I am so grateful for the person who made the decision to be an organ donor. There is not a day that goes by I don't think of them and their family, and I thank God for them.
We have been in Ohio spending time with our family and our grandchildren for a while now. It is amazing just how much the grandkids have grown. I have been able to experience so many things with them. Our grandson is now 13.... an amazing young man. He's in advanced placement classed in school, loves playing baseball and is on a travel team, and loves his video games. When I recall him as a baby and toddler, it is no surprise he is such a kind thoughtful young man. Our granddaughter is now 5 years old... a little spitfire with no hesitations in life. She loves preschool, soccer, tea parties, and playing with her little toy animals. She has quite the imagination. I'm so thankful to have this time with them.
As far as the transplant is going, I have experienced some health issues. They are just some typical things that happen when you have a transplant though. Pneumonias, RSV, funky flu things, sore joints(knees and ankles) some AFib, some skin cancer, pretty significant reflux, and a few more things. Pretty much, typical issues. My kidneys are holding out real well the Doctors say, I was worried about them because of all of the medication. My lung functions are sometimes like a rollercoaster, but at this point, they are stable. The Cleveland Clinic transplant team is good and keeping me healthy. It was quite the adjustment going from St. Joes to Cleveland though. You don't get to know many if any, of the fellow transplant recipients at Cleveland . I have become real familiar with the nurses on the transplant floor at the hospital though.
That is a brief summary of the past few years. I am very thankful for the family members and our friends who have chosen to be in our lives. I couldn't be on this journey without you all (You know who you are....). Thankful for... well everything. God has blessed me richly.
www.helphopelive.org fundraising for Marty Zelei
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays, and Happy Blessed New year.
