A Bittersweet Christmas Update

Dear Friends,

As you may have gathered, our beloved Two has been struggling more than usual with her health these last several weeks. She was diagnosed with chronic rejection of her transplanted lungs earlier this year, and, though she has had many ups and downs, the downs have been winning lately. Things reached a crisis point this weekend, culminating in a rather dramatic Christmas Eve medivac flight to the Cleveland Clinic, where her doctors -- whom we all know and love and respect as the very best in the world -- are working to stabilize and keep her comfortable until a new set of lungs become available. She is doing a bit better now than she was a few days ago, but needs all the love and prayers her friends and the universe can spare.

In typical, mind-blowing fashion, Two was singing Christmas carols and cracking jokes as the flight crew whisked her out of the ICU to her waiting jet. She remains the most amazing, resilient, inspiring and deeply beautiful soul I've ever encountered. The privilege of loving her as a sister and friend is perhaps the most humbling thing I've ever done. She is facing this hard road with a song in her heart. Her grace, tenacity, patience and faith during this latest chapter just deepen my love and awe.

We know that so many of you are filled with love and concern for our sweet sister. Thank you. Your support means the world to us all. For those of you who would like to stay informed on her condition, we've added a new tab at the top of the blog, Two's News, which we'll keep as updated as we can. If past experience is any indicator, there may be many days where there isn't much noteworthy info to share, so please don't fret if there isn't a daily post. Please be confident that if anything important happens, we will let you know there.

For now, we wait and we pray. Mom -- who is both a saint and a bulldog and has literally saved Two's life so many times it's terrifying to even try to count -- is with her in the hospital now. She is at the top of the transplant list, but we have no idea when the stars will align for that to happen. It could be days or weeks or months.

During this beautiful season of thanksgiving, renewal and joy, I am so touched and humbled by the love and gratitude Two radiates, despite the incredible challenges she faces. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, I can't help but think how our actions and attitudes are the most eloquent form of worship. I am so easily bogged down by workaday cares, I am wont to forget what a privilege my so-called problems are. I am so grateful for her radiant light, and the way that it warms my soul through dark times and brightens my happiest moments. Thanks to all you wonderful friends who share and reflect that light. Please say a prayer that it will just keep getting brighter.

With Love,

One, and all the TD's