Lifesavers for Latasha

After a visit from some dear friends today, I decided to do a short emotional update—a feel-good update, but emotional nonetheless.

First, I cannot express the appreciation and love I have for my Air Force family at the 88th Air Base Wing. The outpouring of care and support genuinely humbles me. If you know me, I am not shy with my words, good or bad, but today, I am speechless (sort of). Your care package was beyond appreciated, and Latasha and I were deeply moved.

I have very firm lines as a man and leader and a philosophy centered around honesty and pouring into everyone around me, which often makes me either hated or loved. I reference this point because it’s crucial for how I receive love.

I believe that good men, women, and leaders eat last and pour themselves into everyone around them. Because of this, I often don’t let too many people into my circle or pour back into me because I am uncomfortable with attention, help, and being loved.

For this reason, this transplant journey has forever changed me. It has forced me to look in the mirror and reflect on many choppy waters that have gone under my bridge of life, specifically, the past few years.

It’s like this: To be the hero in someone’s story, you have to be the villain in others. You have to allow the narrative to be written by those who wish you harm and be okay with the negativity from those with lesser character. You have to trust that the truth prevails and that those in rooms without you will defend your character because their character is strong. That leaves scars, but the great thing about scars is that they also build armor if appropriately healed.

This reality has made me feel unseen in the past and sometimes very alone.

You may be asking why I am talking about all of this. The answer is simple: love.

To truly love, one has to allow those around them to love them back. Until this point, I’ve been very closed off to the world and many around me. It’s a mechanism of protection and a means of avoiding vulnerability.

Latasha has always had my back, and I have hers.

I like to bring things full circle and connect them. If you’ve been reading our journey, I talk about tribe and family. This journey has forced me to see a blind spot in my own philosophy and made me face many past traumas, relationships, and failures.

To return to my point, Latasha and I have experienced love from everyone around us and feel the impact of good character and tribe.

The impact of love. Tasha and I have had many chats about the direction of our future, how we will pay it forward, and how we will be good stewards of the gift of life bestowed upon us.

I won’t reveal too much, but I can only say we’re dreaming big—real big.

So, to all of our family, friends, and tribe, we feel seen, loved, and protected by your prayers and actions. We are truly humbled!

To my update, yes, you’re still reading.

Latasha is still having bouts of nausea, but the doctors think they have narrowed down the culprit. The majority of her medications have nausea as a side effect, so they’re adjusting dosages with positive results thus far.

Because we have worked hard at building relationships with the nursing staff, and I am their unofficial nurse on the floor (my words, not theirs), and I’ve learned Tasha’s care needs by helping with everything, they have allowed us to leave the recovery floor to go to the roof. So today, Tasha got to go outside for the first time in 43 days. She got to sit with the wind in her hair and the sun on her face. It was such an exciting moment for us both. A memory we will cherish forever, signifying hope and the future of getting through the next phase once she’s discharged.

Tasha is getting stronger and stronger as the days pass. So cheers to progress and more trips to the rooftop!

Thank you, and we love you all!

Also, the amazing drawing is from one amazing human being who is one of the most caring guys I know. Thank you!