Blessings to All,
I have sat here several times staring at this blinking cursor and blank page, wondering, where do I begin? 2011 was a whirlwind of a year, that blended into 2010 in my mind. We faced many challenges that were outweighed by many blessings. It has been quite surreal.
As most of you know I was diagnosed with a rare primary liver cancer in May 2010, and received the “gift of life” on November 10, 2010 when I had a liver transplant. We celebrated the beginning of 2011 in the hospital where I received treatment for rejection. There were many bumps in the road along the way, but with the support of many, and a wonderful medical team the path has gotten smoother. I was blessed in June to receive my first letter from my donor family. I was overcome with the emotion of their loss, and gratitude for my gift. It has been a struggle that I don’t have the words to describe. I was honored when asked to speak at 2 different donor functions, celebrating the families that choose to donate life when faced with tragedy. Their courage is truly amazing. My family cannot express how thankful we are for Ruby (my donor) and her family, thus another blessing.
Peyton who became a teenager in May when he turned 13, is still a pretty good kid. He entered Junior High, and continues to love sports, fishing and hunting. He has mastered the skill of annoying his sister, much to her dismay. He is helping coach the younger boys in basketball, and continues to raise some calves. He was bottle feeding 8 calves last spring twice a day. Peyton just loves to be outside setting traps, shooting targets, and playing hoops. He actually set up his deer blind on the pond and proceeded to ice fish. It was quite a sight. I expect Jeff Foxworthy to start filming a new episode soon, right in my back yard.
Gracie was 12 in July, and has really grown up this year. She loves all sports, and shoots hoops and plays volleyball off the roof for hours at a time. She continues to compete in horse 4H and junior rodeos. I am so thankful she enjoys riding, because I sure love her company when we hit the trail. We travelled to Halsey forest in October for a 2 day trail ride. Gracie was a trooper, as we rode for hours in the rain. She is a wonderful helper around the house, and babysits for several families. If we “scout” for deer or any wildlife, Peyton will ride as well, with binoculars in hand. Both kids have been very strong this past 18 months through a lot of uncertain times. I am very proud of them. They have lifted my spirits many days.
Larry has faced his own challenges this year when his boss announced his retirement, which meant he was selling the company. On July 8th, he was officially unemployed when he chose to decline the job offer from the purchasing company. The group rebounded and started working for Gavilon, creating a new branch called MicroSource. It has been a lot of work getting started, but what is the journey of life without its many challenges to build character. There were days we wondered just how much character we needed. Being the caretaker of a liver transplant recipient is not for the weak. He met the challenge head on without hesitation. I am very grateful. He continues to enjoy golf, and was able to travel to Michigan for the Nebraska game with family and friends.
As for me, I continue to work for Sound-Eklin installing ultrasound systems for Veterinarians. Sound has been an amazing company, providing me with unending support throughout many surgeries and hospital stays. I don’t have the words to express my gratitude, my cup truly runneth over. My job is my salvation, and truly a lifesaver. I found my own cancer while scanning myself during one of our equine labs, yet, another blessing.
Throughout this crazy holiday season, and the beginning of the New Year, remember to be thankful for all of the things we take for granted. So many have lost loved ones this year, and I know the holidays leave them with heavy hearts. Our prayers were answered when we won another battle for Tracy, my sister who was murdered 11 years ago. Another appeal was denied, and we are so thankful for that decision. We miss her warm spirit and kind heart, which we see in her grandchildren, Libby 6 and Treyce almost 4. My hope for 2012 is to meet my donor family. They have requested to have direct contact with me and I gladly accept. The journey of life continues, what a ride it has been so far.
The Grotes
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