Easter 6 years ago

6 years ago, Easter weekend, was when we knew it was time. It was the moment we were told about... When it is time for transplant you will know. We spent the weekend at my parent's at the shore. Luke was on his breathing machine (BIPAP) almost the entire day. He laid around the whole weekend too tired to do anything. No walks to the library, no walks to the beach, no riding his bike, etc. We watched him slowly decline and then Easter weekend 6 years ago it hit us... It was time. I remember he went outside with the other kids to look for hidden eggs, but he just stood there. Too tired to even bend down and pick them up. About 5 months later he got his gift of life and had his double lung transplant.
The first 3 years after transplant he was hospitalized at Children's Hospital (flu, open lung biopsy, and a line infection were the reasons). Last year was his first year home for Easter after transplant. This year was our first year back to my parent's in Ocean City, NJ since transplant.
And this is what we saw:

Searching for Easter eggs all over without a problem (BB8 was disconnected for the egg hunt as to not slow Luke down). No getting tired, no difficulty picking up eggs, no more having to watch his siblings hunt for eggs while he watches.

1 mile + walk to the library without a problem.

A basket full of eggs.

Every Easter has been special since his transplant. Whether in the hospital having egg hunts for all the children in his room or running around the yard finding eggs. Whether with our family or sharing it with his Children's Hospital family (and sharing bamboozled jelly beans with the nurses) we feel so blessed.

It is always challenging having holidays without eating. So much of what our culture does revolves around food. Easter is no exception. It is one more way of reminding Luke he is different and that he can't enjoy this holiday in a way he desires. I feel so blessed to watch him over the past two+ months handle the not eating thing. Yes there are definitely times of frustration, anger, and sadness on his part. But he really has done so much better than I ever expected. 

Easter is about new life.. And we have seen first hand new life through Luke's double lung transplant. 

As Luke's mom, Easter is so important. We know there will come a day when he is no longer with us. Knowing Jesus has risen and taken all of our sins is huge. Knowing Luke will have the ultimate healing and never be tied down by medical equipment is huge (though in my human mom self I want to hold onto him here on earth as long as possible). Knowing one day we will all be together again in Heaven is what will get me through not having him here with us. Today we watch our blessings in front of our eyes. We especially thank God for sending Jesus to be our Savior and giving everlasting life.