Change A Thing

Exactly one year ago, Tricia and I were completing her first day of the week-long transplant evaluation process here at Duke...it goes without saying, but only God knew what the next 366 days would bring for us.

I was thinking back on the entire year this morning, and I truly cannot even fathom all that Tricia has gone through, physically, emotionally, mentally...what I've shared on the blog is only the tip of the iceberg. I thought about making a list, but it would seriously take up too much time...it's simply mind boggling. And, the vast majority of things that she has been through, I'm pretty sure I could never handle myself.

But, even Tricia would tell you, without hesitation, that it is only by the grace and protection of God that she has survived this past year. The perfect timing and exact detail of everything (and I'm sure there is so much that even we have not seen) cannot be explained any other way.

We have no doubt that, anywhere but Duke, even just a few days one way with several different events, anyone else but everyone we've come into contact with, and things would not have turned out the same. And, that includes all of the stuff that seems like nothing but bad at the time. To change any part of the journey would mean to change the entire journey.

We've learned a lot. About our love for each other. About the support our families and friends. About the inspirational kindness of total strangers. About faith, hope and miracles. About the mercy and grace of God.

We would never hope to do it again...but we wouldn't change a thing.

Thanks.

Nate