One small step...one giant leap

Hi Family and Friends,
I can't believe that it's been about 80 days since the transplant. At first, time felt like it was crawling at a snail's pace, but now it's seems to be passing very quickly. Of course that is always the case when dealing with a stressful situation. It is a great sign that time seems to be moving at a rather normal pace these days. When we first returned home from the hospital, Mike was very weak. Our first attempts at taking a walk, consisted of the few steps to the corner and back. I wore my flip-flops, and the only hazard that I had in doing so, was that I would trip on my sandals from walking too slowly. When we arrived back at the house, Mike had to rest because he was worn out. We continued our daily walks and slowly, but surely, progress was made. Now, when we go for a walk...I have to put on my very serious NB shoes and keep pace with Mike. Who would've "thunk it"? Mike is enjoying the Wii. It is really a fun way to excercise your body and brain. He is improving quickly, but I'm still holding my own on many of the game scores.
I've been thinking about Neil Armstrong's moonwalk 40 years ago on July 20. Of course, I remember being glued to the TV when the broadcast showed the first steps. I still get emotional thinking about that thrilling moment. Neil Armstrong faced the challenge of that day against enormous odds. He accepted the Apollo mission knowing that there was a 50/50 chance that he would return safely from that trip. It took tremendous courage to take that "leap of faith". Without question, he is one of the most important heroes of our time. There are many heroes that have accomplished extraordinary feats. They may be more modest by comparison, but that doesn't make them any less significant. Some accomplishments play to a smaller audience. Neil Armstrong will always be thought of as a hero. Heroes must have enormous spirit to rise to the occasion in the face of adversity. I find it it easy to think of Mike as my hero. He is courageous, gracious, determined, and sensitive...all traits that have aided him in getting to this point in his recovery. He has worked diligently to increase his stamina. Of course, the Donor, Doctors and Nurses have provided the medical necessities that have brought him to this point, but HIS positive attitude is the driving force that propels him forward. So, while his steps may not be the first ones on the moon... they radiate with the moon's glow, carrying that same courage and strength one needs to make a giant leap. Thank you for your part is getting us to this point in Mike's recovery. We wish you LOVE, STRENGTH, and STAMINA. Always and 4ever- Cookie

Day 72

Hi to All,

I'm not sure anyone out there will even read this post, as most of you probably gave up on me due to my neglect these past many weeks! But several people have asked about the blog, so I finally got around to a new update. If you have missed us, please accept our apologies. There just has not been that much to write about lately.
Anyway, I hope you all had a great Fathers Day, and a fabulous 4th of July weekend! I have been feeling pretty good all along, with very minor issues to deal with, and the medical team is very pleased with my progress. I had some anemia issues for several weeks, but the counts are rising (mostly due to some shots I have received the past 4 weeks), and my energy level has improved with the treatments. While I am not going to attend my Enro sales meeting next week in Dallas, I am still shooting for a return to active duty in early August, especially for my first big show in Chicago beginning Aug. 9th. In fact, I just received my first shipment of sample cartons when we arrived home today, so things are starting to look a little more normal (at least normal for me, a very relative term).
Speaking of returning home today, I must tell you that Cookie and I spent most of the day at the U. of Chicago (a common occurance). However this was not a common day....while I got my usual blood work and examination, we joined the "family plan" again, and Cook had her annual visit with good old Dr. Baron. In addition, she had a PET scan as well and I am very thrilled to announce that she remains clean as a whistle, and her blood work was "mahvelous"!!! Let's hear it for the Cooker!!! Thank G_d for that, so we won't worry about her for at least another year!
My reports were also improved, and I get a little vacation from that place, as I don't have to go back for 2 1/2 weeks (Yipee).
Many people ask me how I spend my time at home, and I always struggle to give a good answer. Luckily, time just passes with menial tasks, puzzles, reading, T.V, walking...etc. Good thing I am easily entertained, huh? Actually, we have a new addition to the household: Cook bought me a Wii for Fathers Day, and it has really been great. Remember those couple of times I played in the hospital with Bridgette? Well, now we have our own game, and a Wii Fit board to boot. The competition is back on, and we are both always jockeying for number 1 scores in many venues now. Some of this stuff is really hard!!! Best of all, it is giving me some excersize that is sorely needed, as I need to build up to "schlepping" again for a living soon.
I also have been given the green light to go out more, and we have enjoyed several outdoor meals at restaurants lately (obviously last minute planning "weather permitting", which by the way has been pretty lousy here, as most of you know). Although I still wear a mask for most indoor visits, it's great to have a change of scenery once in a while.
I guess that wraps it up for now, and I thank all of you who are still paying attention! We love you all, and hope to see more of you soon!
Love,
Mike