Surprise!

Mad and Jim are home!!!

Last week, Madeline had an appointment with her transplant pulmonologist who felt confident that Madeline's stomach tube could be removed. She advised that the transplant surgeon would have to give his approval as well, but that once the tube was gone, Jim and Mad would be free to return home to Rhode Island. They will have frequent -- but MUCH shorter -- return trips to Pittsburgh as she will continue to be followed by her UPMC transplant team for the rest of her life.

Mad and Jim anxiously awaited for the call from the surgeon which finally came Wednesday. On Friday morning -- exactly 3 months post-transplant -- Madeline returned to UPMC to have her stomach tube removed. Everyone there continues to be amazed by her progress.

Friday night, Jim and Mad enjoyed a celebratory dinner with the Peterson family. Barb & Terry Peterson were kind enough to open their home and their incredibly generous hearts to Jim and Mad over these past ten months. Barb's well-honed nursing skills were also put to good use as she took wonderful care of her "roommate." Once probably best described as distant relatives, the Petersons are now dear friends. Their support during this time was truly immeasurable.

Saturday morning Madeline enjoyed a little more cake for breakfast before she and Jim said their goodbyes and hit the road.

After driving about 6 hours, Mad and Jim stopped for the night in New York. They had dinner at a little Italian restaurant and were surprised to notice the sign above their table.

Madeline and Jim we're excited on Sunday morning to finally drive the last few hours toward Rhode Island. They spent a wonderfully happy afternoon with their family and are overjoyed to finally be home!!!