LEAPING WITH JOY!

Today's reading on this last Sunday of Advent was the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth and how John the Baptist leapt with joy when he heard the voice of Mary and knew that she was carrying Emmanuel, God with Us, the Savior of all Creation. So it was Elizabeth did the same we are told in our homily today. We were asked "When did you leap for joy when you had a visitor?" I pondered this question and in my present journey my answer would be when I have been met every step of the way in my journey as I walk towards my transplant. How I have been met by the visit of Christ in my physicians, nurses, health care providers and in each of you. How the spirit in me leaps when I have heard the good news of each test which has opened the door for me to receive my transplant, how it leaps for joy when I have been graciously served by so many of you in errands, a place to stay when I have needed it and your prayers. A joy when I speak to my friend Rich who is so selflessly giving to me one of his kidneys. I have had many moments of "leaping for joy" these past few weeks.

This past Friday I had my last medical test, a cardiac catherization to clear me for my transplant. The test went well, my heart is in good condition and the date of January 22 has been securely set. I am joyful. I know that I have been met every step of the way and I know that this is just a portion of my journey. The next phase is my surgery and recovery and again I have learned to take it one day at a time. I must admit I was quite anxious before the catherization and it was difficult "letting go" but I relied greatly on all of your prayers and the realizaion that I have been seen this far and "Emmanuel is with me."

Please continue your prayers and know that I am thankful and think of you with great joy. Blessings and peace to each of you as we celebrate the Nativity of Christ!

Much love,
Bill/Will

WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

It is with a grateful heart that I write this entry/update. I was released from the hospital this past Friday evening after 3 weeks. I fondly refer to it as being released from cell block 158-B. My last week was spent mostly regaining strength via physical therapy and beginning the regimen of dialysis. I knew I was getting better the last week when I was incredibly bored and went into whinning mode.....always a sign I am on the mend!

I am grateful to Fr. Ray and Fr. Don and the St. Agnes Community for their love, support, visits and prayers.

I am grateful for the excellent care I received while at CPMC.

I am grateful for the transplant team and my donor Rich and his wife Carolina who have taken the "bull by the horns" and have been very proactive in getting this transplant going and for their generous and loving hearts.

I am grateful for all of the notes I have received via e mail and FB from so many of you. Your love, support and encouragement and the telephone calls. What a wonderful group of family and friends I am blessed with!

I am grateful that the transplant date has been set, Friday, January 22.

I will not return to work until after my transplant. My hope is to use the time for rest but also just a time of reflection, writing and prayer. As all of you know I am an activist but am learning to let life unfold.....daily.

Blessings, peace and great joy to each of you during this Advent Season!

Much love,

Bill/Will