One year ago today as I write this, Sue was beginning her surgery. I remember that day as if it were just yesterday. Last year if you told me she would be just about insulin free and doing great I would have said “I am praying for that” but deep down all I worried about was Sue getting through the surgery with no issues. The future, today, was way far away and a dream. Today Sue is doing great and she has a new lease on life. The past year was tough at times but as I watched Sue and her progress I am truly amazed. She met every challenge did what the doctors said to do and overcame every obstacle. And, that is the key, do what the doctors say and she continues to progress and look at a great future. Sue has kept in touch with a few of the others who had the TP-AIT around the time she did and some more recent. The one clear thing is that every case is different. While some have not had the fortune Sue has, for each the success is measured not by the amount of insulin they need but rather on the outlook of their life ahead and that is what this is all about, LIFE. This surgery becomes a miracle for all those who have it because without it the future does not look good. Repeated hospitalizations, constant pain and even in some cases the length of life can become a question. Remember for Sue trips to the hospital every 4 or 5 months and a constant pain level and a bleak future as her pancreas was slowly developing issues that could have one day been life threatening. All this painted a picture that also affected her spirits as well. Today all of the pain and the hospital visits are gone, Sue is a new woman. She uses only 3 to 4 units of the long lasting insulin a day with the hope of that going away eventually. Sue’s new life has energized her into passing her good fortune, graces and blessing on by taking on a job, and the work she does is amazing because twice a day she serves as a crossing guard for school kids. It is impossible to repay everyone who prayed for her and supported her other than to put all of that to good work. What a better way, to ensure the safety of children as they go to school every day. It has become a second mission, the first was to get through the TP-IAT. She also volunteers as a victims advocate helping those who are facing the sudden loss of a beloved one or facing trauma from sexual abuse. But that is not all, she is a volunteer for the Sheriff’s office as a Citizen on Patrol where she is out in the community assisting deputies and patrolling to discourage criminal activity. The operation a year ago was the scariest time for Sue in all of her life and for us, her family too. The future was a big question and the insecurity of the decision to have the surgery was very stressful, but today I can say it was all worth it especially for Sue. It is easy to say that now because of the success she has had but hopefully, as she is an example of the good that can come, it can also be an inspiration to those who are facing the same choices and decision she had a year ago.
As this one year anniversary comes and goes we say again a most gracious thank you to everyone who prayed for her and supported her and all those at the University of Minnesota hospital who cared for Sue, all the Doctors who looked after her before and after the surgery and especially Dr. Beilman, may his care and skill be rewarded and Gods graces come upon him as he continues his work helping others to new lives as he did for Sue.
Look at this Champion today! Yea!
