Sunday, November 26, 2017

The Show, Heartbreak

What a nice Thanksgiving weekend. We had my entire extended family here for the holiday, 33 in total.  We played basketball, cut and split our firewood, did a few ranch projects, shot shotguns, ate until it hurt, and watched the MSNBC Heartbreak .

We we all nervous to watch the show.  With all the interviews we went through over the years, we didn't know how it would come out.  We were pleasantly surprised at the results. We thought the show was done incredibly well.  Sandy Cummings did a great job putting it all together.  She was able to bring out some of the untold struggles we had.  I am still not sure why someone didn't tell me about my hair as the doctor was reporting on Gage's transplant.!?!?  Anyway... it was neat to reflect on the donor family, the doctors and nurses that helped our kids, and the good friends we still have in Calif and here in Oregon. There were times of laughter and plenty of tears.  Some of the toughest memories were those when we had 2 heart issues going on at the same time.  In those moments, it was hard to keep it all together.  It is good to have that part of our life behind us.  Thanks Sandy, for all you did. It will be fun to show this to our kids and even grand kids years down the road.

We continue to make trips to Calif for checkups, tests, and med adjustments.  Our next planned trip is in January.  Someday, hopefully deep into the future, the hammer will fall and we will have to return to Calif due to a complication......but not yet.  We try not to think about that, it doesn't do any good. For now, we are happy to all be home and treasure the time here.
Thanks Sandy for the shirts

 The cousins

 Aunts, Uncles and Mom and Dad
 The show audience

 Throw in a little Thanksgiving dinner

 And shotgun shooting

 The Cultural Celebration in Boise


Wrap in up with a little BBall on Thanksgiving morning.

10 comments:

Bonnie Bingham said...

Love this bunch..

Mickey the Old Preppie said...

I'll be praying for this wonderful family, that they continue to trust God through this Job experience, as I know they must have been doing all along or they wouldn't have survived emotionally to this point. It makes me realize, too, how lucky we are with three healthy grandchildren, that I will give more hugs to, today. Thanks to Keith Morrison and Dateline for the fine reporting.

Barb S said...

The show was touching, and we are keeping your family in our thoughts. The strength your family has is amazing, and we hope for all good days ahead. Thank you for sharing.

The Reading Nook said...

I'm glad you had such a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! I didn't get a chance to watch the show but read that it may be aired again. I hope it will be aired again because I would love to see it. :)

Sandy Cummings said...

Jason, thanks to you, Stacy, Sierra, Megan, Lindsey, Hunter and Gage for sharing your story with the world and for trusting me to help tell it. You guys are inspiring people you will never meet and I am sure are increasing awareness of the need for organ donors. It has been a privilege being along on your journey.

Tara and Josh said...

These are some fun pictures - especially like Ashley bringing the hammer DOWN! Thanks for having us and hosting the family!

Jana said...

I loved the show so much! You are all inspirational and examples of not just enduring unimaginable difficulties, but rising above them with grace and smiles. I'm so glad you've all been able to be together and pray that will continue for a long, long time (at least until Sierra leaves for college!)

Jetta said...

Outstanding documentary... Wishing you the best Christmas ever!

Unknown said...

Watched the documentary. It was good. I still cannot imagine going through what your family has but I love tge way you handle it. A lesson for us all

Anonymous said...

Was unable to watch the recent documentary. Is there any way a link could be posted?