16May12

We’ve been making and revising our lists since returning Cathy’s call to tell her “yes, yes and yes...we’re on our way!” to become part of the transplant program. At this point, we’ve even managed to cross a few items off our lists (only to add others, but hey, that’s still progress!). My friend Julia and a friend of hers, Mandy, have agreed to move in and house sit for us while we’re gone - yeah! Life closes doors and opens windows on a regular basis we’re finding...just a month ago Julia and Mandy found out they would have to move from their respective accommodations...so this works perfectly for all of us.

Rae and her family business, Pure Green, have agreed to take care of our lawn maintenance needs and she and I will sit down tomorrow to discuss how she can help me with the garden out front that I’ll not finish before we leave... 

We’ve both done our dental check-ups (no cavities, thanks!) and booked doctor’s visits; arranged for our oxygen equipment needs for travel and residing near the hospital, booked a place to stay for the first few days, and so on...

Next we’ll work on packing our personal bags, along with a few pantry items to see us thru the first few weeks. While the desire may be to bring all those favourite shirts, shoes, shorts, etc. we’ll coach each other on a scaled down mix ‘n’ match wardrobe, so I’ll still be able to lift the bags once they’re packed! I’ll pack our winter gear separately and my sister will arrange to ship that to us when the time comes, that way we’ll leave the available vehicle space for urgent things...like O2, suitcases and snacks for the road!

At times its far easier to sit and think of things to add to the list, than it is to get to doing the tasks on the list...the odd moments of overwhelm-ation creep in and then the phone will ring and Mom will invite us to come for dinner; or Dee will say...why don’t we just spend some time together and come for tea and be a second clear headed brain in the room...or an email will arrive from a friend we haven’t seen in awhile, just to let us know they are thinking about us and including us in their prayers...or Heather will email with another...”oh yeah, you should know about...and I also thought of...” to share from her experience as she waits to get the word that she can come home with her new lungs. We’re hoping for her that we pass on the highway as we go west and she comes east...to home and her fiance!

It’s these moments of kindness and support that feed our souls and push/pull us forward, and we thank you for each and every one of them!