Jill was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday (1/10) and will now be continuing her recovery from a nearby hotel and then eventually home. She can never be too far away from her kiddos. Lauren is now keeping her spirits up by skipping, jumping, and making beautiful projects. Lauren has been a trooper and has not wanted to be too far away from the family. She’s been staying at a nearby hotel with her Grandma and Grandpa for the past week. She has visited the hospital everyday and has done very well between the hospital world and the hotel. The hotel has a pool so she loves that.

It has taken a team of specialized doctors, lots of favors, donations, prayers, and support to raise our family, and we appreciate all the messages, prayers, support and willingness to help just to get to transplant. It means a lot to Jill and me to have such a great support system and to know that literally hundreds of people are a phone call away to help.

Gavin’s kidney is still working great, and the doctors continue to watch closely to see his body adjust to his new kidney. I have heard rumblings of discharge from the hospital staff, and I’ve even spoke to one of the discharge administrative staff. So, Gavin may be out of hospital before or around the weekend.

I have been by Gavin’s side the whole time and got to witness a miracle, which has been incredible. He may even turn into a Daddy’s boy by the time he gets home (but I doubt it).

Now I’m focusing my attention from the process of kidney dialysis to all that is involved in preserving the normal function of his new kidney. This includes knowing the information on all his blood labs and his new medications. The anti rejection medications play a huge part in keeping his new kidney safe.

I’m trying to get everything lined up (insurance, pharmacy, home nutrition, coordinating information from the transplant team, and keeping watch on his blood labs) so when they tell me we can go home – we will be ready (which may not be too far away :).

Thanks again for everything.

Jay Winslow