Things are going well

Billy’s blood counts aren’t all normal, but his white counts are great and his hemoglobin was almost normal at his last appointment. Platelets are still low. His doctor said, “I’m not going to tell you I’ll be happy if you see your 65th birthday anymore. I think I’m going to expect more longevity than that from you. I think we’re in this thing for the long haul now.” We don’t understand any of this. I don’t think his blood type has changed over to his donor’s type. He still has GVHD on his head, face, chest and back. And one of his eyes seems to have GVHD. But he’s getting better. And stronger. He said to me one day about a month ago, “I can’t just sit here on this couch,” like he used to say when he was well. I knew then he was feeling better. But just last night he said something scary to me. He said he felt he was unwell inside, like in his organs. I didn’t ask him what he meant. I didn’t want to hear more and I don’t think he could have articulated what he’s feeling any better.

I promised God I wouldn’t cut my hair until Billy was healed. So my hair hasn’t been cut since fall of 2019. It’s very long, and starting to annoy me. It hasn’t been this long since I was young. It still isn’t gray. Women are letting their hair go gray now, because everything was closed so long because of Covid. I’ve been letting my hair go gray for 63 years.

Speaking of years, Billy had his 60th birthday and the whole family came for the celebration, except Nick, and Billy’s sister, Lisa, was here from CA. I made it a pirate theme. It was the happiest day of our year so far. Thank you, Lord, for my Billy. Hard to believe that a year ago I nearly lost him. What a time it’s been. I’m so grateful!!

Our beautiful grandkids are getting bigger and Janice is pregnant again, due in August. I’m so excited! Jason and Janice bought her grandparents farm in Clay City, put their Eel River house up for sale and had a cash offer the next day! Yesterday, Billy helped Jason and fam plant over 300 baby Christmas trees. I’m super excited about their farm – excited to see what all they do with the 17 acres and barn. They have the Chalet that Huck built and a big pond. The house is big, the kitchen enormous! I’m excited to see what God has in store for them, for all of us. Jason’s preaching is inspired. The kids are so good. Their family is amazing.

Signing off.