75 Days, 60-Something Years

Thursday, September 29th marked 75 days since Madeline was first activated on the lung transplant list. She and Jim have now been in Pittsburgh for 11 weeks, and other than Madeline’s twice-weekly pulmonary therapy sessions and occasional meals out, life in Pittsburgh is has been pretty routine. Just a lot of waiting.
 
However, day 75 on the transplant list marked another important day on the calendar - Madeline’s birthday. Madeline’s “brother like no other”, Walter, and her “SIL” Janet flew out to Pittsburgh to celebrate. 
 
The day started with pulmonary therapy at UPMC, just like the previous 11 Thursdays. But this time Jim and Mad were accompanied by Walter and Janet. (Click on the pictures to see them in more detail.)

 
Much of the rest of the day was spent showing the Boyles around Pittsburgh.
 
Later that night Jim and Mad celebrated her birthday along with their extended Pittsburgh family. Together, Madeline and Jim “blew out” the unlit birthday candles (oxygen & flames don’t mix!). Madeline also received a Terrible Towel in homage to her new temporary home. But don’t worry! Although she may have a newfound appreciation for Pittsburgh and the Steelers, she’s still a New Englander and a Patriots fan through and through!