Randy has not only been approved to be on the Lung Transplant List at UT Southwestern, he is number one on the list. My daughter and I were with him when he found out and he was absolutely overwhelmed. He cannot understand why he is so deserving of the number one spot, but he is very happy about it, as we all are. He is working hard with the occupational and physical therapists to remain as strong as possible for the surgery. Randy is positive.
The last few days have been a flurry of events. My cousin, Lisa, arrived Saturday morning with her daughter, Brittane, and later on Saturday Spencer, her son, arrived. One of my husband’s very best friends, Brian, flew into Dallas from Memphis to visit. Randy’s dad, Rex, arrived on Wednesday, another of Randy’s closest friends, Tony, drove in from Louisiana to visit him for a couple of hours. The texts, emails, phone calls, and prayers are pouring in. Several other friends have been visiting as well. We are heartened by all the people who care. You really know who cares about you when something like this happens…..and we are blessed.
My cousin Lisa and I have been close all of our lives. She is a couple of years younger than I, and our daughters are the same age, just 3 months apart. Our boys are 18 months apart. We have remained close their entire lives. Holidays, family vacations, visits….all important events for a cemented family relationship. Although the kids are 3rd cousins, they are as close, if not closer, than 1st cousins, and I hope they will be so for the rest of their lives. For the first time in quite a while, the four of them were together: Spence, Britt, Ally and Wes. Lisa and I have made an extended family with ropes of gold, I hope. I am so grateful Lisa is here. It’s not that we even talk that much about really emotional things….but we are right next to one another, standing by. It has always been that way and I trust it always will be.
Lisa and Brittane leave tomorrow….and more of Randy’s friends are arriving. Now, that is a story for a later date. These guys are quite a special group. But right now, I know that any day, any minute the call that lungs are on their way could come. I guess I am talking around that fact because although I know he needs new lungs, it does frighten me.
Randy asked me and our children, Ally, 26, and Wes, 22, to spend a bit of time with him today. He had things he wanted to say to us as a family….it was very emotional. We have been a close (albeit loud) family, with differences now and then, but a family rooted in love. We have done so much as a family, gone through so much together. Like all families, we have had our ups and downs, but the love and willingness to help and try has always been present. We have grown together, adventured together, and been grateful together. We want Randy to continue with us, I cannot bear the thought of losing him, or the thought of my children losing their father. Randy is strong, I know he can succeed.
I know this blog is a bit frayed around the edges, but hey, so am I!
A beautiful, but tearful update. It is so wonderful that you all have so many wonderful friends and family coming to visit and support you through this difficult journey. Stay strong sweet family. Continued prayers for all!
Wow. What a wonderful column. Since I have known you since you became an important part of this family, I feel I can rattle on a bit. Trust that your mom and dad are by your side every step of the way on this one. It’s a biggie. You have grown into such a magnificent woman and mother; it has been fun watching the transformation of you and Lisa. I know you feel closer than cousins and the love is strong like sisters. Tam, you have incredible courage, tough mental stamina and a truly loving heart. “There ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough, ain’t no river wide enough” to keep you from getting to the other side of this obstacle in your life. Randy is strong,his will is enormous, and his love everlasting. As a family you are indestructible. You will make it. All of you. Stay steadfast in your faith and your love. This too shall pass. We all love you. We pray every day for Randy and for all of you. The Nashes in Kentucky.
Thank you for your words of strength, Aunt Barb. I know we will get through it. It meant so much to us to see Lisa and all four of our babies together. I know you have your trials, too. Life isn’t always easy, is it? xoxox
Tam,
It is times like this that give us the uh ha moments in our lives. Through this challenge you will all become stronger. Randy is an example for all of us to live life to the fullest and he will be here for years to come to help remind us to do just that. You and Randy are such an inspiration of what marriage and family is all about. I am honored to be your friend and be here for you in anyway that I can be.
Love to all of you!
Kimber
Thank you Kim. You are an example yourself! Thank you for your love and support, and kind words. My family and friends are my strength and inspiration.
Hi Tam, I found your blog on Facebook. As one who has been through the transplant process I thought you might have some questions that Monte (my husband, and the one who got the lung transplant) or I could answer. He got one lung May 21, 2011. His diagnosis was Pulmonary Fibrosis. I’m sure your journey will be different than ours but similar in many ways. My email address is above, I look forward to hearing from you.
thank you, I will contact you! Right now…we are waiting.
Tam praying for you all. Us with lung disease (Mine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) Know Lung transplant can be in all our futures. Sounds like Randy has a great support group around him .God Bless.
Wow!! I was on the UTSW transplant list at #4 back in 2011 after all the “Workup” was completed and the board of directors/panel approved me. One week later I was called and removed from the list because the doctors had another pow wow and decided I was too healthy. Talk about a roller coaster ride. LONG STORY!!
I wish you and your family all the best. Having run that gamet I trust UTSW staff with my future transplant.
Dr. Torres has an awesome team and I can’t wait to hear Randy’s outcome…
Thank you Joe and Kevin. I certainly hope you are both doing well. We are waiting…..
Hey Minton family,
What a nice Blog about Randy and your family!! I have contacted Temple Israel in Wilmington and they are putting Randy’s name on their “Healing prayer List” that is said at every Shabbat Service. It is a beautiful prayer, actually it is my favorite! I will forward you the words. Love to all! Give Rand a hug for us.
Oh yes, please forward the words! And thank you, Marta. Love to you and Danny and the kiddos.