Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! It is with great joy that I feel well enough to write you today and relieve my faithful husband of having another update to write! I'm sure you, like me, have found him to be an amazing writer so I hope you can bear with me as I bring you the latest news. I think everyone would also agree that Steve has the wonderful ability to be concise! My surgeries haven't helped my long-windedness. Sorry.

I am still in Knoxville, TN with family and friends and continuing to get stronger and healthier everyday. We have been blessed by our time here. I wanted to thank everyone from here in TN who came out Saturday night to shower us with love and share in the joy of my healing. It was an amazing evening with more people than I ever imagined! Thank you to all of you and your faithful prayers. It was a huge blessing to see all of you. Thank you for taking time out of your busy holiday season to bless us.

While I am thanking people, I must express my deepest love to both our sets of parents. Their amazing support and sacrifice to take care of us has moved us beyond words. We have incredible parents and their love has helped sustain us on the most difficult days, hours, and moments. This time has left us with precious memories that will last a lifetime! Thank you to my 96 year old grandmother for opening her home to us and letting us stay with her. She has more spunk than I could ever hope to have and she is the most gracious and loving host! She is an inspiring woman and I am blessed to call her dear friend and grandmother. I have also been blessed by the arrival of my close and beloved friend Stephanie from Lacey, WA. She has come to serve and help in any way possible. It has been a true joy to have her here! We're working on her accent and I anxiously await the moment she says "y'all"! Steve left today to return home to Lacey to resume work. Thank you to everyone at Lacey Fire District for giving me the gift of my husband's daily and nightly presence for the last three weeks. We love all of you and it is a joy to call you family! Stephanie will be accompanying me on the flight home Saturday. I am anxious to return home to thank all of you at the District, everyone from our church and Bible study, and those in the community who have continually surprised us with your generous gifts, encouraging letters, cards, calls, texts, and emails. Also thank you to all of our friends in TN and across the country who have blessed us with gifts of support in so many ways! We have truly been abundantly cared for throughout this journey. Our prayer is to have the opportunity to bless you as you have blessed us.

So how am I? See the two new added pictures! A large group of our family decided to go to Dollywood ( a local culture destination) to see Christmas lights and ride roller coasters. Also we needed to show Stephanie some southern hospitality! A few muscle relaxers and I was ready to ride a roller coaster. Wink. Wink. The other picture is from our get together Saturday night. I can't imagine life without my best friend, biggest encourager, and beloved soul mate! I am thrilled to report the improvement in my health. On the day of my surgery (and the many months leading up to it) I was taking 21 medicines that were truly keeping me alive-barely. Every organ system required medicinal support to function. Today I am on TWO medicines - both related to the surgery and will be discontinued soon. I haven't been medicine free for 26 years. My high blood pressure is normal now, my heart rhythm is normal, my gag reflex has returned, my pressure headaches are gone (I have had a continual headache for the last 4 years), my stomach and intestines are working normally (I vomited multiple times a day for the last 3 months), my kidneys are working on their own and no longer causing massive fluid retention ( I was on 4 dieuretics before surgery and have now lost 23 pounds of fluid weight), my double vision is cleared up, my severe and unrelenting pain in both legs was completely gone when I woke up from having my spinal cord freed up from the vertebrae it was wrongly attached to, my sleep apnea is gone so no more stopping breathing during the night, and my fatigue and stamina are improving everyday. I have one issue that will still take a little time to resolve and that is my terrible haircut or lack of hair on half my head! Ha! By sovereign grace, God has placed me in daily moments for a long time now that were designed to take me beyond my character, my wisdom, and reliance on self so that I would seek help and hope that can only be found in Him. I can't wait to see what the New Year holds for me. Less pajama days for starters!

The real joy to be found in the beginning of a new year is the amazing realization of the fact that God loved you and me enough to send Jesus to rescue us. It is there that unconditional joy, peace, and purpose for each day is found. It will not be found in our health, wealth, or New Year resolutions. These things may all fail us but a relationship with Jesus never will. That is my wish for you in 2014. That relationship is the true miracle of my life.

"Because of what the Son is, we have been given one blessing after another. " John 1:16 Thank you for taking the time to check in on us. We are truly blessed. With my deepest love, Lee

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Messages

Matt Chambers

January 2, 2014, 5:55 AM

Big hug

Robert Randall

January 2, 2014, 5:58 AM

It seems a miracle given the circumstances. I am so glad you are doing that much better. We, as a district, are very lucky having you and Steve leading us. Thanks for your inspiration. Lt. Rob Randall

Sandi Henry

January 2, 2014, 6:10 AM

God is so good. We're looking forward to more messages like this one. Blessings on all of your family.

Leah O'Bryan

January 2, 2014, 6:27 AM

Praise God Lee! Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us where to place our hope.

Amanda W

January 2, 2014, 6:30 AM

Lee, you managed to make me cry and laugh in one sitting! Johnny and I are so thankful for God's healing touch and for your faith and witness. We can't wait

to see you back in Washington!!

Ruth Warner

January 2, 2014, 6:42 AM

You have been blessed beyond understanding. Praise the Lord!! Wendy Sternshein January 2, 2014, 6:56 AM Wonderful! Marvelous! Can't wait to see your smiling face...

Nola von Neudegg

January 2, 2014, 6:57 AM

Lee, that is such an awesome, glorious update! So so so happy to hear your story of healing. Looking forward to having you and Steve back home.

Roger Badger

January 2, 2014, 7:38 AM

You are definitely a "overcomer" Lee. When I listen to that song I immediately think of you! May your healing continue. Blessings to you and Steve!

Carolyn Hamby

January 2, 2014, 10:51 AM

Reading Steve's updates of your challenges and progression toward healing has been a definite highlight in this season of life. I don't even know you personally, But your witness of God's grace, love, and faithfulness as Jesus shines through you two is such a blessing! Numbers 6:24-26

AB

January 2, 2014, 11:19 AM

I am SO glad you are doing better and the surgery gave you much needed relief. I have followed your story through your carepage for a long time. I really wanted to come out

Saturday and see you all since it has been over 20 years since I've seen you both, unfortunately my RA is flaring and I could hardly move Saturday night. I'm so glad though that you all were able to come "home" to TN and get some much needed time with family. I hope your journey home to WA will be uneventful this weekend. Really glad you are doing better though Lee - you so deserve it. Steve - your updates were great. Concise is good! :) Alecia Bailey Kryworuka

Caryn Szmuc

January 2, 2014, 1:08 PM

Praise God for your healing! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us all so that we can see the work of the Lord through you! He is truly amazing!

Lee Anne Giurintano

January 2, 2014, 1:22 PM

Happy New Year Lee and Steve! What an awesome update! I'm so happy for you, Lee! Thank you for sharing your journey. You are such an inspiration to ALL!! Prayers for a comfortable and safe travel home....there's no place like home! Keep the Faith!! Hugs from Paducah, Kentucky, Lee

Link Hudson

January 2, 2014, 1:33 PM

What an update! What a joyous way to start the new year! I'm so very happy for you both and look forward to more updates to share in your joy!

Dan Sharp

January 2, 2014, 1:53 PM

Happy New Year Steve and Lee! Im praying for safe and carefree travels for you two on your way back to Oly.

Sandy Moye

January 2, 2014, 2:37 PM

Awesome! So glad we were able to see you! Praying for you as you travel back.

Crystal V

January 2, 2014, 3:22 PM

Praising God for the healing He's giving you! Love and continued prayers from the Van Tine's!

sue ensign

January 2, 2014, 3:50 PM

Tears of joy. "LIKE" this kind of answered prayer!

Jennifer Agnew

January 2, 2014, 3:51 PM

Praise God!!! I'm rejoicing today to hear all this good news. I'm so sorry that I missed seeing you all in Tennessee. I was just there for my brother's 50th birthday. Please keep the updates coming. Jenny Bo

Carter & Deanna Barnes

January 2, 2014, 4:08 PM

Thank you for keeping us updated. We are so overwhelmed with joy at the success of everything. What an amazing God we have to care for each of us the way He does! Our prayers continue and we cannot wait to see you again. Glory to God!

janice pierce

January 2, 2014, 4:09 PM

Jehovah Rapha, The Healer!! What a testament of His healing touch and provision on your life. I am rejoicing with you my sister in Christ!!

Gary Pearson

January 2, 2014, 4:21 PM

You go girl, have a safe trip home.

Tamara Longworth

January 2, 2014, 4:26 PM

Lee, First off, SO thrilled to see this update from you! What a tremendous praise to read the status of your improvements, and God's miracles!! We are absolutely THRILLED for you!!

Secondly, we texted Steve, but wanted to say directly to you how sorry and disappointed we are that we weren't able to make it by Saturday night. I'm sure he told you of the sudden passing of our friend and icon here in the Emergency Service Community. His funeral service ended up being Saturday night and we felt we had to be there. We were so looking forward to seeing you guys, and hate that

we missed the opportunity. Prayers for continued success, smooth returns back to WA, and a long life of good health and happiness in front of you!! Love to you both!

Evalyn Forlines

January 2, 2014, 4:42 PM

We are so happy for this progress report and you looked beautiful Sat night. Thus healing is so wonderful but for me just think how close you, Steve and God have been to have gotten you thru these past 7 years. So thankful God was there and is here all the time. Our love to ALL.

Bruce and Evalyn

Eunice Goodwin

January 2, 2014, 4:59 PM

It was SO good to see you and Steve Saturday evening! Your hair looks just great! Enjoyed seeing both sets of parents, as well. We are so very thankful for your recovery thus far but strongly advise you to stay off of roller coasters and motorcycles! Will be thinking of you and Stephanie on the long trip home. Love you, Eunice and Dan

Cindy Hambly

January 2, 2014, 5:12 PM

Okay now I am crying.....but tears of joy. So nice to hear from you and to know you are doing better everyday. Don't get used to TN........you have to come home to us ha ha ha. Much love, Cindy

Shirley Keith

January 2, 2014, 5:18 PM

I was so pleased and honored to spend an evening with you and Steve while you were here in Knoxville. You are truly a living miracle for which we give credit to God. I identify with your parents who are a testimony to the fact that you can never

truly set your children free of your care....praise be to them! I wish you a very fulfilling 2014!

Terry Ware

January 2, 2014, 5:48 PM

I agree Our Lord is overwhelmingly wonderful, but He sure did something special when He created you for all of us. I look forward to your big smile.

Jim Dickson

January 2, 2014, 5:54 PM

Dang, Girl ! It is so good to see you up and around, and to hear that you are doing so miraculously better, that words can scarcely suffice ... so we'll just have to reserve the great big hug for the time we see you again ! Y'all be safe (that part comes from a small town and county on Hwy 70 just west of Nashville :-) ) and have a comfortable, uneventful flight home. Can't wait to see you. Love and Hugs, Jim and Kathy Dickson

Bill Terhune

January 2, 2014, 9:31 PM

You, Steve, and your story are such a blessing to us all. God has truly gifted you both in that you reflect who He is so clearly. You are deeply loved and we look forward to seeing you when you return.

Kristi Pearsall

January 2, 2014, 11:28 PM

Wow!! I am so glad to hear that you are doing so well!!!! Thank God!! I have been following your updates for a long time and you certainly deserve to be well again!! I am sooo happy for you!! I will pray for your continued recovery!!!

Sandy Temple

January 2, 2014, 11:33 PM

I am elated to hear how well you are doing! I am so excited! God has answered so many prayers. I was so disappointed that I was unable to come see you on Sat....certainly didn't want to pass the flu on to you or Steve, or anyone else.....and didn't think you'd appreciate me if I did:). I am all better now and would love to try to stop by and see you tomorrow if only for a few minutes:). I will touch base with your mom to see if that's a possibility. I

continue to lift you all up in prayer...God is so good! Much love to you!

Betsy Ramsey

January 3, 2014, 1:24 AM

praise God!!!!!!!

Melissa Marks

January 3, 2014, 1:59 AM

Words can not even begin to describe my excitement and overwhelming joy at God's provisions for you. Your steadfastness during your suffering brings Jesus great glory. I pray that may will turn to Him as they hear your incredible story of his faithfulness to you. Saturday can not

come soon enough. Hurry back so we can get this party started!! Saturday ca

Sylvia O'Dell

January 3, 2014, 3:11 AM

You are amazing! God is so mighty! You bring Him glory and praise! We shout with joy for your healing. Happy New Year to you, Steven and your families! What a blessing you are to others. Love and Hugs, Dolly and Digger

Jan Bennett

January 3, 2014, 4:35 PM

Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow! Lee, this update is fantastic! And no less well written than Steve's

:) Thank you for including all your improvements. I am so thankful to God for what He has done for you.

Joan Bouck

January 3, 2014, 4:55 PM

Wonderful to hear all of your uplifting news. We're looking forward to seeing you again! Joan LFD3

Alex Christiansen

January 3, 2014, 5:02 PM

So Glad to hear you're doing better Lee. Thanks for the updates. We look forward to seeing you back in the PNW soon!

Emily Dreyer

January 3, 2014, 6:04 PM

I am so so SO happy for you!!!!!!

Anna Lee Drewry

January 3, 2014, 10:47 PM

Incredible news!!2014 will be an awesome year! Thank you for the updates!

Cherie Leyva

January 4, 2014, 6:34 PM

What great news Lee! Happy New Year indeed!

Seth Winterhalter

January 5, 2014, 2:16 AM

A great report! Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Renae Moore

January 11, 2014, 3:05 AM

Lee! I am so happy to hear of all the relief and victories in your health with this surgery. You have great wit and super sense of humor. So glad Stephanie is with you! Blessings and prayers for your journey home tomorrow. lovingly, Renae Moore