What a busy summer this has been!  We began by going to Kansas City's KU Hospital for Jeremy's donor evaluation.  It was a long day of tests, but we received good news that not only was Jeremy approved to donate again, but his cholesterol, blood sugars and blood pressure were the best they have been in years!  He has worked very hard to get his body in great shape to benefit Joe and his own recovery.  I am very proud of him.

Fun fact:  tradition in transplant circles is to name the donated organ and make t-shirts!  The kids decided to name Jeremy's kidney "Steve" from Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

Jump forward a few weeks and Children's Mercy finally agreed on a surgery date, early August.  We will need to go back one more time prior to surgery for pre-op, but otherwise we are ready. 

All the planning and scheduling has come together so well.  Friends and family and neighbors have generously offered so much help.  We are so thankful.  It has put my mind and heart at ease.

As we think through our needs for the next month, Jeremy had a great idea.  We could use some meals to keep in our deep-freeze for when Jeremy is home post surgery with the girls and when we are all back home.  Some would also be helpful before then too as we have many appointments to keep. These can be small meals for 2-3 people and some larger for all 5 of us.  Joe's appetite is so unpredictable right now, so I have no ideas.  He eats a lot of Ramen Noodles (low sodium and drained)!  After surgery he can eat anything again, but until then we try to limit potatoes and cheese.  He is so adapted to this diet now, that he monitors his intake himself.

What is most important to us now is your prayers and encouragement.  We are all trying to take this one day-at-a-time. Thanks for taking the time to read this and please pray we feel God's grace as we journey along this road.