Surgery Date

We have a surgery date. 
This seems so surreal to say. It is both exciting and terrifying at the same time. 

When the phone call came with a potential date, I was in the middle of cleaning the house, listening to some Christian music on Spotify. I was completely unprepared for all of the emotions that hit me and this song came on: Just Be Held by Casting Crowns. (Click the title to open the song on Youtube). The Lord knew the reminder that I needed in that moment and that I continue to need as the surgery date comes closer.

The date has been set for Wednesday October 30. With it now being October, this is quickly approaching and there are a lot of details to sort out and appointments thst ened to happen.
Noah has had to go for an ECHO, a CT Scan, ultrasounds, regular bloodwork and clinc visits and there are a few more appointments to come in the following weeks. 

All of these appointments are getting tiring for Noah and he's missing more school because of them, but they do come with some perks:

A lunch date with Mom

A beautiful sunset on the way home from an evening appointment:

Having brothers join an appointment makes the time go by faster and with more fun too!

We were also able to take Rob with to an appointment to meet one of the main doctors that has been heavily involved in planning the tranplant. There are so many people involved in this, it's been truly amazing to witness.

We also have an upcoming appointment to meet the surgeon that will be performing Rob's surgery and will be heavily involved in Noah's surgery as well.
Rob has a full day of appointments coming up and we pray that this shows no change in his health. 

Along with all of the appointments to help prepare, there are many details at home that need to fall into place to help make this go as smoothly mas possible - rides to the hospital, places for the kids, the purchase of an extra vehicle so that Danielle can hopefully help in driving everyone places, freezer meals to make, etc.
We would like to thank all the people that have already been willing to help and those who have stepped forward with offers of help. It has been overwhelming and we are truly blessed. 
In our times of busy-ness and anxiety we often forget how this all affects so many people and we hope that you all know how much we appreciate you all and that you feel like you are kept up to date.

It has all been a lot to carry and it's hard not become overwhelmed by it all. We have been encouraged knowing that we are being prayed for and have also been reminded that we have a Great Physician and we need to bring our fears and worries before him, trusting that He is in control. A recent devotion gave this reminder:

Someone shared a song with me that also struck me and has been a great reminder to: I Will Carry You by Ellie Holcomb (Click the title to open up the song on Youtube).

While we as parents struggle with our different emotions surrounding the surgery, our children all carry their own emotions as well. The questions keep coming and it is clear that everyone is handling this in their own way.
Rob had a conversation with Noah the other night at bedtime, asking him how he is feeling about having a new kidney. Rob said that Noah's face lit up with a huge smile. He is excited about this surgery! We are sure that nerves and other feelings will strike as the day arrives, but we are so excited for Noah and all that this new kidney will mean for him!