I’ve realized a fault I don’t think I’ve ever owned up to.
I can explain in painstaking detail everything I know on some subjects. If you’ve listened to me before, you may think that’s the fault I’m talking about. But not this time. 😊
I suddenly realized that I don’t know how to celebrate my victories. In fact, I’m not sure I ever learned how. When I finish a task, I acknowledge it for about 2 minutes and then get on to the next task. I don’t tend to dwell on finished tasks, especially the good ones. Sometimes I remember failures in great detail. Thankfully, I’m learning to not dwell on those.
On the other hand, it’s important to celebrate the good things.
Friday, June 16, 2023, was the one-year anniversary of my Bone Marrow Transplant. That’s a milestone worth celebrating. And, on June 26, 2023 I went for my one-year anniversary checkup.
I am so thankful to report all good news. The numbers from my bloodwork were all good and still improving. I got another dose of childhood vaccines to help bring me up to date. AND, I got what should be my very last Bone Marrow Biopsy. Hallelujah!
Is life completely back to normal? What’s normal? I’m not sure I know what normal is anymore.
My hair is back. And it’s not white. That’s not normal. How did that happen? Maybe it has something to do with that 29-year-old DNA… I don’t know.
After losing a little over 50 pounds, I’ve gained about 10-12 pounds back. I needed to gain a little back. I’m comfortable where I am now.
I’m still working. I worked from the hospital during both my original induction and the bone marrow transplant. When not in the hospital I’ve worked from home. The ability to do that is in large part a benefit of being in IT (managing computer systems). Much of the work can be performed remotely.
You may wonder if I had to do that. No, I didn’t. Frankly, it was a relief from isolation and provided some much needed therapy in keeping the mind active. I’ll continue to work for a while. I’m in no rush to leave active employment. The company has been extraordinarily supportive, and the people have been great. Which is one of the reasons I’m still there after all these years. More recently, I’ve been going into the office 1-2 days a week. It’s good to be in familiar surroundings with people I enjoy.
I recognize that I’ve been extraordinarily blessed this past year and a half, even more than ever before.
Deuteronomy 4:9 (MSG)
9Just make sure you stay alert. Keep close watch over yourselves. Don’t forget anything of what you’ve seen. Don’t let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live. Teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.
Just as God reminded Israel through Moses, my children and grandchildren need to know that God has been faithful every step of the journey. There has never been any doubt. TRUST in God is a powerful tool in your arsenal toward keeping your head and heart in a position to receive.
I’m back at church full-time with my extended family of believers. Again, it’s about being with like-minded people. People who have lifted me up in prayer the past two years and checked up on me regularly. There is no substitute for that interaction.
One thing I’ve been taught since early childhood. Be thankful.
There is always a reason to say thank you. And these days I have a lot of reasons.
Psalm 126 is a song of ascent sung as the people went up to worship. I can relate to it. This is where I live these days.
Psalm 126:3 (ESV)
3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
I am glad and that does call for some celebration, even in my own quiet way.
In His Love,
Wayne
(The banana split is what we picked up on the way home on June 26. Not a bad way to celebrate.
I’m learning. Little steps.) 😊
