Our Life Update: New Years Edition
Hi friends,
We’ve been a bit quiet lately, and we wanted to take a moment to share what’s been going on behind the scenes. The past few months have been a whirlwind, filled with challenges we never expected, but also moments of hope and gratitude. Here’s a look at our journey.
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| On the way to Baylor in Plano |
October: The News That Changed Everything
In October, we received some life-altering news: Cerinia needed open-heart surgery to replace two valves. It was overwhelming and surreal, and our world quickly shifted to focus entirely on her health. We knew this was going to be a long road, but we were determined to face it together.
November: Preparing for Surgery
After consulting with the team at Baylor in Plano, we scheduled her surgery for December 17th. During this time, we tried to stay positive and prepare for what was ahead. It was a month of uncertainty, but also of hope as we trusted the skilled hands of the medical team.
December: Surgery and the First Hospital Stay
On December 17th, Cerinia underwent open-heart surgery. It was a long day filled with worry and prayer, but she came through with the strength and resilience I’ve always admired. While she recovered in the hospital, I camped just outside of town instead of staying in the hospital or booking a hotel room. I thought staying in our camper would help keep things normal, but it just wasn’t the same without her there.
January: A Scary Setback
After we returned home on December 23rd, things took a terrifying turn on January 3rd. Cerinia’s blood pressure dropped, her kidneys and liver began to fail, and she had to be airlifted back to Baylor. It was one of the most frightening moments of our lives. Watching her fight through such a critical situation was heart-wrenching, but the incredible medical team worked tirelessly to stabilize her. Slowly but surely, they began to get her body back on track.
Finding Beauty Amid the Struggles
This second hospital stay has been a mix of emotions, but one unexpected blessing has been the incredible snowfall we’ve experienced here. Looking out the hospital window at the falling snow has brought us a sense of peace and renewal. It’s a reminder that even in the toughest times, beauty can find its way into our lives.
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| Snowfall at Baylor in Plano Texas |
Hope on the Horizon
Now, we’re relieved to say that things are starting to improve. Cerinia is recovering, and we’re finally feeling hopeful about what lies ahead. These months have been some of the hardest we’ve faced, but they’ve also shown us how strong we are together.
We’ve felt so supported by all of you—your prayers, kind words, and patience mean more than we can ever express. Thank you for being part of our journey and for lifting us up when we needed it most.
Looking Ahead
We’re hopeful to get back to sharing our adventures soon, but for now, we’re taking things one day at a time and focusing on healing. Thank you for sticking with us and for being part of our story.
With love,
Tommy & Cerinia
Ten Foot Stripes