Monday, August 24th

Okay, Mike has informed me that you all think I am a bad blogger for letting so much time pass since my last blog. Apologies to all.

The kids and my mom arrived Friday evening and stayed through Sunday. It was wonderful seeing them all and it was great medicine for Rex to see the kids. He has always referred to Zach as his Pro-Zach! The kids are doing great and most of that is thanks to my mom and the stability she brings to our home. My sister's birthday was yesterday and we all went to dinner Saturday to celebrate. Natalie had to fly home today. It was hard to let her go and I am going to miss her immensely. She has been an amazing help to me and am so blessed to call her my sister and best friend!

Rex is doing excellent. The docs are still very impressed with his recovery. Early this morning he had a little scare. The last IV meds he was on were there to help his heart work effectively. Late yesterday and into the morning he was experiencing racing heart beats and a very high pulse. At one point the staff was very concerned and even had the crash cart on hand. Fortunately, his heart regulated itself and they have since taken him off of these meds. Rex is still continuing to walk his laps every day. He was up to 15 this weekend and has a goal of 20 tomorrow. Every 17 laps equals one mile and Rex walks pretty fast! Pain management has been a struggle Rex has faced the last few days. Some of the nurses are on top of his care, but others aren't stay on top of his needs.

Today was the first of many heart biopsies. The doctor goes in through the neck and takes a small piece of his heart. The are able to check this piece for early signs of rejection and then treat accordingly. We haven't received the results yet, but are hopeful that all is well. Rex will have these biopsies weekly for about 4-6 weeks and the frequency will taper off from there.

I am so thankful to you all for your continued prayer for my family during this last week. The love and presence of the Lord has washed over Rex in an amazing way. There is no other explanation for his calm demeanor and hopeful attitude much less the amazing miracle of all that has transpired. Please continue to pray that this heart would feel very much at home in Rex's body and that his body would continue to welcome it. Pray that Rex would use this "down time" to soak in the Word of God and speak with Him in prayer. Please pray for my mom as she is still adjusting to a new schedule and responsibilities and for the kids as we are still away from them. Most importantly, please pray that the Lord would be glorified in all Rex and I say and do while we are in Tucson. Pray that many would come to know Jesus as their savior through our story.

Precious friends and family words cannot express how much you all mean to us. Thank you! I promise to try and update more frequently. Have a wonderful week and in the words of Rex, God Bless!

"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved." Epshesians 2:4-5