Grateful Heart: October 2010

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Rogue Artist

Apparently, the chalk board wall was "too dirty" for Brady's artwork, so he moved Reese's bed to work on his newest piece. I guess this artwork is going to be a part of our home for awhile. It is titled, "Itty Bitty."

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Alice in Transplantland

Toni, Bethany, and I standing by the donor quilt.

We all received transplants in 2009.

That was the theme for the 3rd Annual Ladies Heart Transplant Luncheon that I attended Tuesday with my lovely mother-in-law, Margie. If you remember the story, it is a very confusing land, contradictory, just when you think you know exactly what to expect - POOF! Everything is different. Dr. Mandras did a fabulous job of weaving parts of the transplant experience in with the story of Alice in Wonderland: diagnosis, hospitalization, the surgery, the discharge. It was pretty amazing, because life as a transplant patient has many parallels with that wacked out movie! I never really liked it, and Dr. Ventura admitted that it was too scary and unpredictable for him- Just like waiting for a heart.

Our tables had little boxes at each seat, and they were specifically for transplant patients. The first item I pulled out was hand sanitizer. Carrying that around is like pretending you have your own little sword to battle against germs. I would say that it is one of the reasons I have stayed out of the hospital, but it doesn't work miracles. I am really enjoying the stomach bug my kids passed on this week. At least it isn't a hospital bed! It definitely could be worse.

'I believe in you hand sanitizer! I just want to ask that you please stop taking the skin off of my hands, and we will continue our battle against the nasty germs my children generously share.'

You couldn't have a transplant survival kit without sunscreen! Even though the packet we were given would last me one day (and only cover my face), it is a reminder that we are all more likely to develop some type of cancer due to our immune systems (especially skin cancer).

I am very proud that I now own a pen from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. Many of the ladies in that room would not still be alive if there were not dedicated, sensitive professionals from LOPA that go and speak to families about donating a loved one's organs. Do I want to have that job? No. Did I need someone to have that job for me to live? Absolutely. My specific thanks is to TOSA for finding my heart in Texas ~

Don't forget the tattoos! Stay tuned for the Napolitano family display of LOPA tattoo for the month of November ~ National Organ Donation Month ~ I know you will help me in my informal campaign of encouraging people to sign those donation cards!

My favorite trinket was a pin with 2 silver hearts entwined, with a royal blue bow tied around it. The inscription on the card is, "You can change your life by changing your heart." Reese randomly asked me yesterday, "Mommy, where is your old heart?" I didn't really know how to answer that, because I don't even know what they physically did with it. She seemed to be happy with, "I am happy with my new heart, because it helps me love God and my family and friends even more."

Meggin helped advocate for me in regards to financial roadblocks

before being placed on the transplant list. The initial rule was that

you had to pay $10,000 upfront to even get on the list.

My Hero. This man helped me make the best decision of my life.

Dr. Ventura

My Case Manager Raylene. I have never had anyone follow-up with

me better than Raylene. She is truly the reason my hospitalizations

have been limited since discharge. Amazing woman!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Habakkuk

This morning, I was guided to read a simple verse out of the book of Habakkuk (I do a daily Bible Study called For the Write Reasons), and realized, "Uh, oh." I didn't even recognize the name Habukkuk. I have a long way to go. I realized I was going to have to read the whole book. After glancing to see what was in store, I saw that it was only 3 pages. Yes!

Those were 3 pages that really spoke to my heart. However, it wasn't in the way my Bible Study specifically intended. I was provided with a great reminder that the righteous do not always appear to have the immediate upper hand, even though they are faithful to a loving God.

I love it that Habakkuk's name means embrace. He was described as a man that had a very tender heart for the Lord. but he actually questioned God . . . twice.

"Why? Why, Lord, do we have to suffer affliction while the ungodly prosper?"

My response to hardship has been no different in certain circumstances. Am I not faithful in looking to God's Word? Do I not intentionally seek His guidance and will, and proclaim that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that he died for our sins? Why do I suffer time and again with hardship and heartache when so much of the world prospers through greed, violence, hate, and deceipt?

The Lord answers (and my simple interpretation does not do it justice) ~

He says . . . The ungodly may seem to have the upper hand, but they are never satisfied. Their greed and arrogance causes them to never feel rest. Those that continue to have faith will be victorious through the Lord, even though we may have to wait.

My immediate reaction is "ugh." I have to wait for it? Habakkuk concludes with praise and a song. Will I do the same thing?

We all know pain and hardship, and sometimes my cry of misunderstanding is not about who is causing the affliction, but what. What a lesson I learned today. I don't sit and delight in the fact that "they will get theirs," (even though that would be a very human thing to do), I delight in the fact that I am His and my only response can be one of faithfulness and trust.

I like that Habukkuk guy. (No disrespect - he was a prophet :))

Have a good day! Please feel free to enlighten me if I am not getting it. I feel this is what I was meant to learn today.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Goodbyes

Larry and Clint (Christmas 2007)

If you didn't know my Uncle Larry, than you probably missed out on inheriting a really awesome nickname. He had nicknames for just about everybody . . . Justoleum Linoleum (Justin), Lesso (Lesley), BR 549 (Betsy), Chadwick (Chad), CD (Crystal), and so many more. It was hard for all of us to say goodbye yesterday.

Grandma and Her Kids (Dad, Claude, Kim, Randy, Tod)

This post would never end if I mentioned all of my fond memories of Larry, and I might not have ever tried chewing tobacco if I never met Larry. That's right . . . chew. I was so enamored by his smile, stories, and kind heart and I wanted to try that mysterious black wad that he would stick in his cheek. After my endless harassment, he said, "Here ya go, Jamos." I vomited shortly thereafter, and decided that I would leave the chew to him.

We spent so many memorable holidays with both sides of my family. Were we loud? Well, have you ever met me? Magnify that times 25! It was especially rambunctious during our annual game of "white elephant." That game could last a lifetime,especially if there was a coveted prize in the mix. Fortunately, there are a few people in the family that aren't as hard-headed as Larry and I, and they would settle for a less desirable gift. Someone had to stop madness (but there were a few of us that were ruthless). One year he tried on and modeled a pair of boxers over his jeans. The boxers were definitely not his style, but the humor was.

In honor of Larry, I would like to give Brady and Reese nicknames that would make him proud! Let me know your suggestions. I can't settle for anything less than hilarious.

Justin, Mom, Me, Lesley, Dad

I pray that Randy, Clint, Cody, and Casey will feel God's presence and peace. Larry was married to my beautiful Aunt Randy for over 40 years, raised two wonderful sons, and has always been a part of his nieces and nephews' lives. Our hearts are heavy, but his reward in Heaven is surely great.

Jamos