My Third Birthday!

October 23 seems like an appropriate day to give an overdue update.  Three years ago I was given a second chance at life. Every day I appreciate the selflessness of my donor Tina, the love of my family and friends and the blessing of the true appreciation of life.

I had a wonderful summer, able to get things done, entertain friends and lots of family time.  It was a beautiful summer at Piatt Lake.  I wasn't sure I would ever get that kind of energy again.

My last trip to Ann Arbor was very encouraging.  Dr. Magineau is very pleased and I have full permission to return to a NORMAL life.  That means Den and I were able to travel to Washington D.C. and spent a wonderful 5 1/2 days there.  It also means lots of grandchildren time and back to officiating.  Our latest news is our new grandson, Decker William Cunningham.  He is 9 days old and what a little honey!

I am nearly back to normal.  For those of you who I "tortured" in HS, I have started a Barre Class and let me tell you I feel your pain every time.  Evidently 8 months of prednisone has really atrophied my muscles and it is a long slow and painful climb back.  I am determined to keep going even though I have a few days of pain after class, no more than what you had I am sure.

So the long and short of it is I am doing great!  Lots of energy and working on strength and stamina. For those who have not seen me lately I have gained 40lbs. and people seem to think I look better, hmmm I guess 100lbs. didn't look so good on me!  I wince when I see the pics.

I know many of you like pictures so I will make you happy once again.

The day of my transplant - three years ago

Eli's high school graduation open house

Piatt Lake 

Fun in Holland

IT's BEEN A LONG TIME!

To All My Friends and Family,

Sorry to have been AWOL for so long.  There hasn't been a lot to update on my physical condition.  I finished with steroids mid-April and had a few weeks of a downward spiral which was to be expected.  I, of course knew I would escape all the side effects of "withdrawal".  And I was wrong!  Extreme fatigue and body aches lasted for a few weeks but am doing much better.  I can tell I am much weaker than before the steroids, muscle atrophy according to my Dr. it is going to take some time to get back to normal---whatever that is!  I am well, don't worry, I just don't have the energy or strength that I want to have.

We had a wonderful Spring Break with the family in Florida and now are looking forward to summer at Piatt.  Den and I just spent 8 days there getting some repairs done and prepping for the summer fun.

Everybody's family is well.  Eli graduated High School yesterday.  18 years sure flew by!  He will be attending Aquinas College in Grand Rapids this fall.  We are very excited to have him on the West side.

Other noteworthy news is that Beth and Chad are expecting their third this October.  This will be #10 for Den and myself.

I am sitting here at Beth's dining room table listening to Luci and Mac playing. Tonight is Liam's baseball game.  So like most of our friends we stay busy attending as many of the grandkiddo's events as possible.  I have to admit I am a fair weather fan but tonight should be perfect, a rarity for Michigan spring.  Oh I guess it's summer!  Hard to tell sometimes here!

Love, Grace and Peace to all of you

Peggy