April 4, 2011

DeWayne and I are about to start a new journey. DeWayne had a kidney transplant 11-1/2 years ago. But this transplant is failing. His kidney function is down to 11%. They usually start back on dialysis at 10%. So,he had a catheter placed today to be able to restart dialysis at home. When he did dialysis several years ago, he did it while he was sleeping. His sister is currently being tested to see if she's a match for a kidney transplant. But, he's not going to be able to wait until the transplant for dialysis. So, we're are surely taking one day at a time.

This is a beautiful flower arrangement my mom put together. She picked these from her backyard. Before May 2010, she wasn't even able to walk outside. She had been crippled with osteoarthritis so bad. She broke down and had double knee replacement. Yes, you heard me correctly...double. I knew before the surgery, she was one more brave woman. But, after the surgery and the coming weeks....it became more evident to me. We had a couple of scary nights though. She lost so much blood she had to spend three days in ICU. But, it was all worth it in the end. Now, nine months later..she's able to work out in the yard as much as she wants.

January 25, 2011

On Thursday, January 20th DeWayne,Zachary,Rhonda and I went to the Birmingham Museum of Art before we left to take Rhonda and Zachary back home to Selma. DeWayne and I have been there numerous times in the past. It was great to be able to share it with Rhonda and Zach, especially Rhonda. We were able to see it through her eyes this time. She seemed to have such an amazing time.

January 15, 2011

On Tuesday, January 18th, we head back to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL for a follow-up appointment for DeWayne on the 19th. After his appointment on Wednesday, we head to Selma, AL (about 87 miles south)to pick up DeWayne's sister Rhonda for her evaluation appointment on Thursday the 20th. She is a match for a kidney transplant for DeWayne. She has to go through a round of tests such as an ultrasound of her heart and a stress test....to determine if she's healthy enough for surgery.

January 13, 2011

On Monday, January 10th North Alabama was hit with the worst snowstorm in decades. Most areas got between 8"-12".

January 12, 2011

Wordless Wednesday....this is exactly how you find Jasper most days!

January 12, 2011

I haven't posted about Annika and her family in some time. She has been taking radiation and chemo treatments in Birmingham for about three weeks now. This week, her hair started coming out. So, she decided she wanted it shaved. Annika has been such a trooper through all of this. She's so brave...much more than I would be in the same situation. When we think that we have problems in our lives, we need to think of Annika and her family and we will be very thankful for what we have.