There Can Be Miracles When You Believe. The Road to Miracles

18/01/2022

Although I haven’t really been on social media, I couldn’t let today go unmarked. What a difference a year makes!! One year ago today I sat with my husband in a hospital bed crying and praying together for another miracle. They wheeled him out of our room to prep him and his body to donate the gift of life to me with one of his kidneys. We had been told that our match was somewhat of a miracle in itself because husbands and wives can rarely donate to one another, but our match was so close, his kidney could have been my own. Even now it’s hard to remember how it felt to be as sick as I was, barely existing. Afterwards the surgeons told us that I had one foot in the grave. But today I AM LIVING! Every time I climb our stairs I thank God for letting me run up those stairs because last year Mark had to carry me! I am embracing life and everything in it! I am STRONG, stronger than I might have ever been, physically, emotionally, and mentally! Life is just so different when you are grateful for every moment and every breath you get! I don’t think I will ever take it for granted again. And to my husband, there is no greater gift than life! I see your love in the big things like kidneys, and also in all the daily details. There are simply no words to describe my love and gratitude for you! And to the people in my life who have supported me and my family through some of our darkest days, thank you! This journey is yours too, you are part of my story. ♥️ ✨ ❤️

30/06/2021

29/06/2021

Because I already have four dogs, but am a sucker for a sweet pup, if you can help please contact them ASAP! 🐾♥️

06/03/2021

I realized I hadn’t posted an update in awhile and wanted everyone to know that last week the doctors told us that they couldn’t imagine things going better than they are! We joke that Mark gave me the better kidney (He’s gotten pretty good at always finding the best for me ♥️) because my Creatine is now lower than his! Lol, it might be because my new kidney is used to servicing someone twice my size. I’m just grateful every time I have to p*e!! I’ve graduated out of PT and you might see me walking around the neighborhoods, for my daily hour long walks! I’m gaining muscle back in my legs, and have put on a couple pounds. I have a renewed energy and joy in all the simple things i get to do and be a part of now. God is GOOD!

In case you didn’t know, Mark Pengelly (AKA The Rock Star),took ONE day off work after the surgery and went back in the midsts of a go-live for a large account! He has kept things going this whole past year when I couldn’t. He’s made sure things were stable for the boys when I was too sick. And he’s made sure we all experienced joy and laughter amid quarantine and Covid. This man shows us his love in every action he makes! We might be a perfect match, but we’re not close to perfect. I’ve gotten a bit sassier (if that’s possible) with this new kidney of his. Luckily he hasn’t asked for it back yet, so maybe I’m not as bad as I think! We are perfectly imperfect, and grateful for every breath we get on this earth.

I’ll be real for a second and tell you we are still waiting for my stomach to “wake up” and digest better. They’d also like to see a few more pounds on me. And I’ve got to get my stamina back, it is a big piece that’s still missing. I have to rest between big outings, long conversations, and when there is lots of boy action! I’m hoping to be able to start cooking meals again soon, along with the boys favorite cookies, cupcakes, and our joint adventures in baking!

I have to tell everyone who has supported us with meals, prayer, cards, gifts, laughter, light and more that I have never been so grateful for all you’ve given me and my family. I know we couldn’t have made it through the last year without you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! Please know we are also here for you if you are ever in need something! Our community of people here in Washington, and those who stretch across the world are our rocks! Blessed doesn’t even begin to explain it!! (Sorry for the long post)

23/01/2021

Released for good behavior 👏🏻

22/01/2021

Jenn is doing incredibly well recovering from surgery. Since Monday the new kidney has been cranking hard, high output in response to large fluid intake. It’s how they force a transplanted kidney to restart. Creatinine levels are .9 which is well within normal range. As of today she is walking (300 yard shuffle), eating, and no longer on IV fluids. They actually said if she keeps this up overnight they will send her home Friday! Truly amazing

20/01/2021

Mark is officially discharged 💪🏻

20/01/2021

Day 2 recovery update from Swedish... special guest. Bonus: Jenn’s creatinine level instantly better now at .9 👏🏻

19/01/2021

Happy Tuesday, Prayer Warriors. Mark is heading home today. Jenn's surgery team is very pleased with the new kidney function. Please pray for Mark and Jenn's bodies to continue to heal and the staff taking care of Jenn until she came head home to be with her boys. God is good and Miracles are real.

19/01/2021

“Just keep swimming”...

18/01/2021

Update-Thank you, Prayer Warriors, Mark is resting in recovery! Jenn's surgery went well and she will be joining Mark in recovery soon. Please continue to blanket them in prayer. God is good!

18/01/2021

I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on all that has happened since I first met this man 20 years ago. From this day forward I will always carry a piece of him with me. To say that he completes me has taken on a whole new meaning. We’ve spent the night watching a ridiculous late night comedy show laughing till our stomachs hurt, intermittently closing our eyes and remembering all the many times we have been together surrounded by miracles. The nurses kept laughing at us sharing the same hospital bed, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We have faced so much, fought through so much, and found God in the most amazing places! All of our family and friends and strangers who have been praying for us have played a huge role in this miracle. We are all the more stronger because you have been part of our army of prayer warriors, you have played a part in our story. Sending love to each of you! God is so good! We are grateful!

See you on the other side...







Mark Pengelly