We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season!!! Many of you know, but for those of you who don’t, Roland was blessed to be able to have a corneal transplant (left eye) done on September 22nd. Roland had been on the transplant list for awhile and even though we hoped for a call, It was such an exciting and sobering experience to finally get it. And from that moment, a whirlwind of activity began. The next morning as Roland was getting prepped for surgery he asked who the donor was. (a 10 year old little girl who fell from a tree) Dr. Komadina said that the only way he is able to do donor surgeries is to know that he is turning such a devastating tragedy into a miracle for someone else. His last words before I had to leave was, “ Let’s do this so you can see your boys grow up!” At that point, I couldn’t help but get emotional. Roland has never been one to complain. His lack of vision has simply been a way of life. Within a week of surgery he was able to see better with his left eye than his right eye. His vision is steadily improving week by week. He should start getting some of his stitches removed in March!
We were able to spend an early Thanksgiving with our family in Oregon. It was wonderful to be able to see everyone again! We got together and had pictures done… Quite an experience with two babies, a four year old, and then all of us! Dad will be so excited to finally have some pictures of all his kids together! Gigi gave us quite a scare a few weeks back! We were happy to see her in good health! Thank you for letting the troop stay with you! I am sure you were thanking God for a little peace and quiet when we left! Lol Thanksgiving wouldn’t have been the same without Aunt Zelda and Nathaniel. My stomach is always so sore after spending time with her! We laugh until we drop!
Tasha- The oldest, the wisest! I love you so much! It was so great to be able to spend time with you. I am totally loving getting to know you better!!! Lol The phone calls on your way home from work are such a highlight in my day. Thanks for bringing Nathan out to meet us all. You two are so cute together. I wish you both the best!
Davin-The second, the sweetheart! Thank you so much for the glass ornament. It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! You are so talented! From your own recording studio, blowing glass, to pop-up cards- you do it all! We had a blast getting to spend time with you and Caitlin! Love you!
Raymond-The third, the character! We finally got to meet RJ! What a cutie! I am happy that you were able to meet some of your biological family, Thanks for sharing that experience with us. I hope great things come out of that for you. With you moving back to Oregon, maybe we will see you more! Love ya!
Last, definitely not least… Aunt Terry! You are such a beautiful person inside and out! Being able to spend a few days with you at the beach house was my favorite! Having you a part of my life is such a wonderful gift. I love you soooo much!!! Thank you for being such a loving and devoted friend to my mom! You two are the definition of a true friendship that lasts a lifetime! (47 years!) Nicole and I are working on it! Lol (23 years!)---Ummm If you notice... You both are wearing the same outfits as you did five months ago. Obviously you both are comfortable in your own skin and don't need clothing and fashion to determine who you are! Love you both to pieces!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
