Holidays, LVADS and travel...OH MY!

2013 has certainly been an adventurous year! If someone had told me on January 1st that our family would be facing such difficult challenges this year I would have said no and probably called you crazy! Truth is, our journey in 2013 has been one of sadness and difficulty, but also one of joy and pride. I am so proud of my family and friends for the love, support and guidance they have given us. From the calls, texts and emails, to the monetary and financial help, everyone has lifted us up and kept us moving. I'm so proud of our children and the way they stepped up to provide support and love to their Dad and I. Yes, they are adults but at 18 and 21, they are still trying to find their place in this world and they certainly never expected to be faced with such adult issues so early in life. But they are our children, and come from a family of love, laughter and spirit and have shown us that they can withstand anything this life has to throw at them. My precious Trouper, with his infectious laughter and endearing smile, has gone through endless pain but always put our family before his own wants or needs. When the doctor came into his hospital room in August, and said it was time to give up on a heart for a little while and get an LVAD, he looked at me and said he would hold on a little longer if I wanted him too. He is the most amazing man I have ever known and just like I tell him, I will continue to fight for him, even when he is too tired to fight. 2013, a year we will certainly never forget.

We leave for Texas on Saturday, going to spend time with family and friends in Arlington and Ranger. My Grandma Dorothy is 89 and I want to spend one more Christmas Eve with her, hearing stories about Christmas' of yesteryear and holding her hand while she watches everyone open gifts. She is an amazing women, and I owe her more than I can ever repay. She loves unconditionally, praises the Lord even during the most difficult times and inspires me to be the best woman I can be. Trouper wants to spend time with his family, including all the nieces and nephews. He has been through so much, and knows the value of time. Time is so precious and limited, this year has shown us that we don't need to waste it or wait for the perfect time to visit family.

This year our family is a little larger and Emily's boyfriend, Jake, will accompany us on our trip. I hope he's prepared for the craziness when we are all together. Coming from a family of 14 kids, I'm sure he can handle it but then again, we are a very special group. Traveling with an LVAD is challenging, we have to remember all the batteries and equipment, medicine and supplies. I've left lists for the kids and Trouper, so they can prepare while I'm at work but I am sure I will be trying to get it all pulled together at the last minute. Who knows if we will actually make it to Texas with everything we need, I'm just glad they have Kroger there because I know we can get any medicine we need or might have missed.

As for my last thoughts of 2013, I would like to leave you with a blessing:

May your home be filled with laughter, may your pockets be filled with gold. Any may you always have all the happiness your heart can hold.

Happy holidays friends and family and always remember you are a blessing to me!