The Hero and The Jump

   

     On New Year's Eve night, the DeBause family broke with tradition by giving up Dick Clark for ESPN's special coverage of Levi LaVallee jumping a 300ft gap of water with a snowmobile.  He actually jumped 412ft to shatter his own world record of 361ft.  Who knew a snowmobile could fly so far?!?

     This was a fitting way for the DeBause family to bring in the New Year considering the "jump" that lies ahead for us within the next few months.  In February or March, Sawyer will undergo a kidney transplant and these weeks prior will bring about a flurry of challenges and activities in preparation for this big event.

     The news for today is Sawyer's mom, my beautiful wife Karen, will be the one to donate the kidney.

     Every morning (even to this day) when Sawyer wakes up, he shouts out  for "momma" to come get him.  He has been doing this since birth.  Of course, he could not use words  as an infant, but we always knew who he preferred to lift him out of the crib.

     Anytime I get to his bedside first, Karen usually arrives moments later if she can.  When she enters the room, I always announce, "Here's your hero!"   I've been making this declaration for years, but  this year the meaning of these words go many levels deeper.

     Karen did not flinch when she found out she would be the one to donate the kidney.  She would do anything to protect and care for her children.  I am so proud of her.  She is an amazing mother, wife, and friend.  I thank God I get to be her husband.

     Karen has a series of tests to go through over the next few weeks including an MRI and a CAT scan.  There will be several meetings, consults and a preliminary procedure for Sawyer that I will share more about later.

     It's been a while since I've written on this blog.  Typically, I don’t write when time is short.  Time has been limited, but that's not the reason for the lull.   I'm struggling with the decisions we are making and the challenges ahead so I've resisted posting to this blog in the last few weeks . 

     I don’t want Karen or Sawyer to suffer through the "big jump" ahead.  I want to do anything to prevent it, but this is the path God has for us now. 

     I think I relate more now to God, the Father, as He watched His son suffer and would not intervene because it had to happen.  It is the most miserable feeling in the world to stand by and watch someone you love suffer so much.  I hate it and certainly don’t enjoy writing about it.

     God continues to show Himself to us through so many people.  Our friends, family, and even people we do not know, continue to reach out to let us know they care and are praying.  God has used you to bring much comfort, strength, provision and encouragement.  Thank you!

     Now back to The Jump...