During a deep bought of depression in 1950, Ira Stanphill wrote the hymn “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.”  The lyrics of this hymn include these words: Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.

There will always be things we don’t fully understand, but we can trust that God is in control, even when we feel like everything is out of control.  This brings me to what is currently taking place in my life.

What a whirlwind these past few months have been! Amidst the hustle of completing my upcoming book, “Breathing in the Unexpected” (set to release on Amazon August 8th), there’s also the joy of our youngest daughter’s wedding, scheduled in less than a week. While she and her fiancé have managed the major details, I’ve been lending a hand here and there, tending to a few smaller tasks. During this time, John and I have continued our regular trips to Duke every four weeks, where I undergo extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) treatments to combat chronic rejection.

My 100th Treatment!

During my most recent visit, I marked a significant milestone: my 100th treatment. It’s not a milestone transplant patients set out to accomplish, but one that undoubtedly merits celebration. This treatment signifies over two years of successfully managing chronic rejection, avoiding the need for a second transplant. I’d say that’s worthy of acknowledging and praising God for!  

As for my overall health, my vitals are excellent, and my blood work would appear “normal” to an outsider unaware of my transplant history. Notably, my pulmonary function test (PFT) yielded its highest reading since my official chronic rejection diagnosis.

August 7th marks three years since I returned home from the hospital with a new set of lungs in tow. Life certainly has taken a new shape. I’ll admit not every moment has been blissful, but this journey has brought about positive transformations. Most importantly, I’m alive to share my miracle story and how God continues to carry me through the ups and downs.

Breathing in the Unexpected

Having completed my book, I stand once more at a familiar crossroads, poised to welcome the unfolding chapters of my life with eagerness. I’m resolved to remain open to the opportunities that lie ahead, although I’m uncertain of their specifics. While I do have some ideas, the future stretches ahead like blank pages, ready to be inscribed with the stories yet to come.

So I’ll continue to trust God for tomorrow and heed the wise counsel of my husband: “Sometimes it’s best to point your feet downstream and let the current take you wherever it’s going.”