Lifesavers for Latasha

It’s been a while since I’ve done an update. I can sit here and make many excuses, but if I am honest, I am just worn out and haven’t wanted to write, face reality, or reflect on my frustrations. 

Anyhow, I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. 

To more of an HDLT update: Tasha has so much renewed strength and is slowly finding her way back to normal. It has been anything but easy. This last year has almost broken me in so many ways. My body is feeling worn down and abused, and rest is needed in the future. All in all, Tasha is thriving and having way more good days than bad, but when they hit, they hit hard, and it’s demoralizing because it’s always at the worst time when we had plans. I can’t speak for Tasha, but it’s left me a little bitter and not even wanting to try to plan because it will just get ruined. It’s a very selfish way to feel, but I’m being honest. 

Tasha has a follow-up appointment in Cleveland the first week of February, and we hope to address how her medication keeps making her sick. We know the future is bright, that God has plans, and we have to let it happen. That’s easier said than done when you’re trying to make up lost time. I believe Tasha is posting something tomorrow. 

Latasha and I took a short distillery road trip we’d been putting off while I had a few days off. We went to Buffalo Trace and Jack Daniel’s, and barely had time to visit because Tasha was so sick on the drive from breakfast. In the moment, it is frustrating and defeating, but when I have time to reflect, I’m grateful for the small wins of her strength, of actually being able to go places and walk around.

Each week, we have many blessings, but also many ups and downs. We are still navigating a post-transplant world and fallout from the surgeries. We always have to remember to take the good with the bad. I’d be lying if I said that was easy and not defeating sometimes. 

I say all this to say, perspective is a powerful thing. I see a lot of people constantly complaining about things that others would feel blessed to have the opportunity to do, whether in work or in personal life. Life is a blessing, and we only get one go at it. For that reason, Tasha and I try to stare down the unknown with fierce determination to succeed and enjoy the small things. For 2026, we are going to lean hard into life and enjoy every little challenge and opportunity thrown our way. 

So all in all, things are going very well considering where we could be and how others experience transplants. I have plenty to complain about, but way more to be thankful for. I know we are blessed and that God is doing his thing. I am imperfect and suffer from the age-old condition of being human. I try each day to be better, serve those around me, and make a positive impact. 

Thank you to everyone who is always in our corner and checking in. Merry Christmas, everyone.