A successful transplant

We spent a few days in Minnesota last week with the Newton clan. Joel's brother Ben donated a kidney to his father, Gary (the girls call him Pops). Everything went really well with the surgery, and both of them are out of the hospital and recovering at home this week. We know that many people were praying for our family and for a successful surgery, and we are so thankful for that. We continue to pray for complete healing for Ben and for Gary's health to be restored.

When we arrived the night before the surgery, Pops fired up his MG and Joel took the girls for a ride around the neighborhood. Anna is really into history and "old" things, so she was pretty impressed with the car and gave Pops quite a compliment: "Your car is really OLD!"

 The girls enjoyed a full day with their cousins on surgery day. We went swimming at our hotel, played at the park, ate pizza, and had a great day together. By the evening they were all asking when we would get to see Ben and Pops. They were both feeling well enough for visitors by the very next day!

 We stopped into the hospital again on our way out of town. The girls had made cards for Pops and we all wanted to see him before we left. He looked so good! There was a huge difference from the night before the surgery to a few days after. Norah looks like she's having a great time, doesn't she? This picture doesn't really show it, but they were both so sweet with their grandpa and their uncle, and were so patient with all the driving and waiting around. 

We're so thankful for a successful surgery and that we were able to be with our family during that time. It was a great start to our Spring Break!