Before I launch into the weekend’s festivities, I would like to share something a friend of ours made. In April of 2013, when Derek went through all the tests to see if he was eligible for transplant, I mentioned our situation to Todd Bookman, the health reporter for NHPR, and our friend. He was interested in potentially doing a story about us, so we continued updating him as Derek’s health deteriorated. After the bleeding esophageal varices incident of 2013, it became apparent that a transplant was imminent. Todd interviewed us several times, and had us take recording equipment with us when we went to appointments at Lahey. He even recorded a conversation with Derek at the hospital, two days after surgery. When he came to my room, I made him tell me a story because I wasn’t really up for talking at that point. After collecting hours of audio (poor guy!) he put together a three part series about us for NHPR that finishes airing today.
We both think Todd did a great job of telling our story, but there are definitely parts that are hard for us to hear. We wanted to be as honest as possible when he interviewed us because we truly hope it might help someone else one day. In many ways, we were more honest during the course of those interviews than we have been on this blog. Todd turned into something of a surrogate therapist for both of us, which I think is the mark of a truly talented reporter; we were comfortable being honest with him. As I am sure you can all imagine, there are emotional parts to the story, but there is also a lot of silliness. Here’s a link to the three parts: A Husband, A Wife, A Liver.
Now, for the weekend! My sister Dehbi traveled east from Missouri to visit us and act as our personal trainer for the weekend. Derek and I successfully went on our longest hike to date, and we can thank Dehbi for encouraging us the whole way. Dehbi and I also got to celebrate both of our birthdays, something we have not done together in many years! We had a fun-filled weekend, and now I will let the photos do the talking. (Click on any photo to launch a slideshow.)
The Derek Janiak Hepatobiliary Forum 
A jammed-packed post(ing) that calls for multiple visits and maybe a few comments, maybe from your Mom too (hint, hint). Sidebar: The first picture of you Logan is a rush for me as I remember my dear and only sibling, Pat (Patricia). That thrilling image of you (so you) evoked my Pat, whom I miss as Reene experiences the loss of her three sibs. Thanks for this rich blog. Remarkable in words and images of you all. Can you say “treasure trove”?
Love you guys so much! Such a great story that captures your personalities, the story and your strength.
And you’re right, I had no idea what I was talking about. What I didn’t say is that I was scared out of my mind. I didn’t want to think about life without Derek.
An amazing record of what you guys went through. I’ll never understand how you were able to keep your senses of humor throughout the process. Keep up the hikes. Even at this early stage of the recovery I bet you and Derek could out-hike me.
There’s only one way to find out.
“And then you tried to break up with me…”
LOVE this, love you two!