3rd and final surgery: COMPLETE.

On May 8th, Danny went in for his third and final surgery: the ileostomy take-down. He counted down the days leading up to this surgery, for it marked the end of his six-month surgical journey (and six-year diagnosis journey) of Ulcerative Colitis. Everything went according to plan. Our surgeon, Dr. Herzig and head surgical nurse, Vida - were OUTSTANDING! I couldn't speak higher of these two individuals. We were in the hospital three days and nights following this surgery. Danny is home now and catching up on rest while he recovers. His new bowel connection is working as it should be, but he'll have several months ahead for it to completely normalize - one day at a time, one meal at a time. Thank you to everyone who said a prayer and sent an encouragement our way. Every single one helped us through with peace that God was in control!

May 9th, was our one year anniversary. Not very romantic I suppose spending it in a hospital room, eating hospital food - which actually, is quite fantastic at OHSU if you go down to the third floor Cafe! How ironic that our anniversary fell on the day after the final surgery. I find it quite fitting, actually. Celebrating our year, our journey - the illness AND the recovery - I'm encouraged to know year two will start fresh and new - with a healthy beginning and positive outlook.

Looking back, I could have never predicted how the first year of marriage would be. They say, the first year is the hardest - well, I'd like to think that IS true, and that we totally nailed it. God allows us to be tested with trials and tribulations, but ultimately, he has a plan. He sees the big picture. I believe that. I wouldn't have changed a thing about our journey if it meant I wouldn't have Danny to walk through life with. I love him endlessly and I look forward to what the rest of our lives brings us...like BABIES :)

May 9th, 2013




May 9th, 2012 -