Wednesday, January 23, 2008



Not a whole lot to report - just getting so tired of being here! I did have a nice chat with my boss, though - she's pretty amazing! I decided today that I will be going home for the weekend. I am due for a much needed break & some time away from here with Colby. He has been such a trooper! Ken will come to Cleveland for the weekend.

One of the things that a lot of people don't understand is why it was such a hard decision whether or not to list Grady for a transplant. What most people don't know is that transplanted hearts don't last forever. The average length that a transplanted heart lasts is 10 years. (I have seen some cases where people have had their hearts for 20 years). The likelihood that Grady will have to have another transplant someday is very good (hopefully not for a long time, though). There is a lot of research being done, so hopefully they will come up with something before he gets to that point. I'm not trying to make everyone sad - I just want you to know the facts so that you can pray for our family. Pray that his heart lasts a LONG time - maybe we can break some records.

Since I am running low on things to post, if any of you have any questions that you would like answered, or any suggestions, please leave a message in the comments section & I will try to address them in future posts.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey...
Grady is really growing and looks like he likes his swing! So, was it pasta again tonight?

Brandon lost his 1st match tonight and had a forfeit for his 2nd one. But Garaway as a team won against both schools. Hopefully he will do well Saturday at Waynedale.

Well, I'd better go. It's about time for bed. See ya!
Rosy

Jeannie said...

No - not pasta. There was no meal brought in, so they warmed up leftovers. It looked disgusting - there was some cole slaw that has been here a looong time and some stiff beans of some sort - ick! Luckily, I had left over pizza from last weekend. I haven't found anything good at rehab yet either - guess I'm too picky - used to good Amish cooking!

Marla Edington said...

Hello,

You don't know me, but I stumbled upon your site when reading Bryson Hummel's update page, and your sister Leah mentioned your web page. I've read your whole story, and have been very moved by it. I know quite a few people (friends, family) who have had preemie babies, and a few with babies that had heart defects and surgeries at birth, but none that had a heart transplant. You seem to be an amazing family. Hang in there, God will give you strength you didn't know you had. I'm glad you're going home this weekend to be with your 4 year old, it will be good for you, and he will love it. You're probably all getting real tired of everything you have to go through, but just keep plugging away one day at a time, don't think about how long this will last, and one day things will be a little easier, and Grady will get to come home! I'm praying for you!
Marla - a mother of 2 kids in Prospect, OH

Leah said...

Ken, Jeannie, Colby and Grady,
Hey! I miss you guys! It was cold. Grady looks so good. I've heard this phrase, "The hand of God will not lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." Though at times it doesn't seem like it, God really knows what He is doing and He has the whole puzzle, we only have a few pieces. I will continue to pray for you all and that you will be able to come home real soon. Hang in there! I love you!
--Leah

Leah said...

Jeannie,
You asked for suggestions and it might be good to go back on your old carepage and leave another post that leads to your blog. I know of 3 people in OK, that somehow didn't get the message for your new blog. When I gave them the informatin, two had trouble logging on and one is still not able to open your blog. I think they have the correct information but for some reason they cannot view it. Do you think maybe they need to download some software to view it properly? I'm not sure what to tell them. Maybe someone else knows.

On another note, I would also like to encourage everyone to post. On the old carepage it was possible to see who looked at the carepage that day and I know that was encouraging to Ken and Jeannie. The blog however does not allow them to see who visits so "post away". Thanks to all who are posting! God bless you!
--Leah

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeannie,
Im glad that you are taking a break....I can't imagine how it has to be getting to all of you by now. I had to think this all happened right when we moved into our house......thats been a while. It really is amazing what you all have been through. Although you might miss Chilpotle....home is a much better place. =)Looking for that day to be very, very soon.
I was wondering if you need food when you are at home? I would be glad to fix you guys something...but I didnt know if you are eating at Rosy's or with others in your family. Just thought Id ask. Im praying for you and Colby to have a wonderful and much needed bonding time together. =) He is such a darling little boy, I miss his cute way of talking (so grown-up). Grady is of course still adorable and looks like he is showing more and more expressions. Does he make anymore voice noises...I think you mentioned that one time that he quewed. I love it, when they start to figure out their own voice. Praying for that little guy...and Ken this weekend.
Well, if you need anything this weekend...call me or stop by. =)
Your friend,
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Hey Jeannie,
My, that little guy is growing! I really enjoy your blog! Justin and I were talking about coming up to see you one of these weekends...or maybe soon we'll just have to come OVER and see you! We're thinking about you alot and praying for you! Hope you have a great day!
-Marilyn

Missy said...

Hi. We don't know each other, but your sister posted on Bryson Hummels site and that is how I heard about you. I am very sorry to hear of your struggles. I do know some of how much a Mommy's heart can hurt for her little boy.

My little boy was hit by a mower in April of last year resulting in multiple broken bones to the leg/foot and amputations of some of the foot. Although we aren't going through the same hurts and trials I do know how your "mommy's" heart is aching. I want you to know that I will add you and your family to my prayer list that I go through each night before bed. I will especially pray for you!

I would like to share one of the verses that got me through the first 3 months of recuperation. My son is doing fine physically, but the emotional part of it is really hard for him. I have said this verse to myself many times during the questionalbe times of recuperation. It is:
Psalms 56:11...In God have I put my trust; I will NOT be afraid!

I know that God will continue to give you the grace for each day.

Here is a hug from me to you...

Anonymous said...

HI JEANIE, BOY U R SUCH A TROOPER!!! DO NOT LET YOUR HEART B TROUBLED BY FEELING YOUR NOT DOING YOUR BEST W/ THE BOYS. UUUUU RRRRRR!!!!! I HAD A DR APP 2 DAY AND I THINK I HAVE IT ROUGH SOMETIMES AND THEN I THINK OF YOU. I THINK ABOUT U EVERYDAY. KEEP LOOKING UP AND GOOOO GRADY!!!! A SISTER IN CHRIST, LINDA

Anonymous said...

Hey Jeannie,
Great to hear that you'll be going home this weeekend even if its only for a few days. Pretty soon you'll be home as a complete family!
I totally believe in what Leah posted about Gods grace and I would have a hard time believing it if i hadn't witnessed it firsthand. Thanks Leah for sharing that!
I had no idea that donor hearts don't last the rest of a persons lifetime. Theres a lot I'm sure people don't know, so whatever you can share would be great and also lets us know how to more acurately pray, like you said. Have a great time this weekend and if theres anything you need or want please let me know...I'll gladly make you mush and gravy...no pasta I promise! Love, Amy

Anonymous said...

Hey Jeannie,
I have not seen u or talked to u in a while so I thought that I'd say hello. I've missed u guys in small groups and on sat. nights when we played poker : ). I started school last week and its going good. I really enjoy my classes. It reminds me of when I was in high school(homework... ugh). Grady has grown alot since the last time that I was up there. Every time I see him he looks more and more healthy(what an answer to prayer). I hope everything is going well for u. If u need anything let me know, I'd be glad to help out where I can. I'll be praying for u guys. Well gotta go, I'll talk to u later.
Rod