#17

     Seventeen years ago today, I became a "Gaabstopper"… I married Karen Ann Gaab.

     We met at a concert and nine months later we were married.  The first year was unbelievably difficult (mostly my fault), but we survived it and became stronger because of it.

     I fall more in love with Karen as each year goes by.  On our thirteenth anniversary I presented Karen with a list of 13 reasons why I love her and I've updated it every year since.  In year 14, I made this video for Karen...

     Here's the complete list with the newest addition… #17...

Reasons Why I Love Karen

(No Particular Order)

By Toby DeBause (Karen’s Husband)

1. She desires and seeks after God.
2. What you see is what you get. Genuine. No pretense.
3. Her integrity can never be disputed.
4. She is an incredible mother.
5. She has a great ear and loves to use it.
6. She snores only on occasion.
7. She never gives up.
8. I know she loves me
9. She knows great coffee.
10. I trust her completely
11. I’d be lost without her.
12. She never gets mad at me when I ask for help finding my keys.
13. She is my best friend.
14. She inspires me.
15. She is beautiful
16. She goes where He leads.
17. She gives all for the ones she loves.

Thanks for indulging me in my Public Declaration of Love (PDL).  But, good love requires a shoutout once in a while.

K., Still going there with you.  T.

Great Week!

For the last month, we have been concerned about several new issues regarding Sawyer's health.  One issue involves his liver and issue #2 has been more detailed than I care to explain right now. 

We got a GREAT report this week.  We found out that issue #2 was a combination of an infection and an adjustment needed in one of Sawyer's anti-rejection meds.   Infection is a scary thing in an immunosuppressed kid, but his body handled it well.  The infection has passed and he is doing well with the new dose of the med. 

We have an appointment with a liver specialist next week, but our doctor shared Sawyer's labs with the liver specialist in advance.  The specialist said he was not concerned by what he saw.  This  is AWESOME news!  There is still an issue, but it's good to know that there is not a huge train wreck around the corner.  A GREAT relief!

A good report is not the only great thing happening this week.  We have witnessed a significant change in  Sawyer this week as well.  He looks better and has more energy than he has had in a year.  His sense of humor is coming back as strong as ever too.  It is AWESOME to watch him acting like pre-kidney failure Sawyer.

Great week!