Month 7 Update

 Month 7 has held some good things for the Neubert Family: some firsts and some wonderful news. 

Mike: For month 7 Mike only had to get his blood work done and send it off to California for the donor-derived cell-free DNA test. It once again came back as a zero rejection level and we are thrilled to see his heart and body working as one. We also received wonderful news that he no longer needs to get the actual biopsy done. Instead, the new protocol is to use the blood test, if the test shows signs of rejection then they may need to complete the actual biopsy for that month. This means less hospital visits and less invasive procedures. Mike is also in the process of weaning off some medications and starting a new med that is meant to prevent transplant vasculopathy (narrowing of the coronary vessels) and can help to improve kidney function. He has also stopped taking one of his immune suppression medications which has brought the days med count down significantly. Mike is still working from home and is busy as ever. His boss nominated him for the Fifth Third Horizon Award for his amazing work in 2024. Even though Mike was in the hospital for 49 days and didn't work for three months while he recovered, he succeeded his goals for 2024 and put the bank and his customers in a great position. Mike won the Horizon Award in early April, I am so proud of his dedication to his work, family, and his new heart. He deserves all the awards he can get! Mike also finished his cardic rehab and is thankful the weather is beginning to turn nice for walks outside again. With each new activity Mike's body has to readjust a little and get used to things. His first bike ride for the spring, doing some yard work, teaching Blake to mow, and helping with some tasks around the house. We still are not having anyone over to the house, but as the weather gets nicer, flu season slows down, and his body adjusts to less and different medications, we are looking forward to having friends and family over. 

Rachel: After 4 months of my Stay at Home Mom/Housewife Era I returned to work. The past 8 months have been some of the hardest, yet rewarding months of my life. Watching my husband deteriorate and almost die in the hospital, receive the coolest and most awesome gift of a heart transplant, to helping him recover at home all in four months. That led to four surprising months that started with me losing my career job of 15 years, and finding a new career and new me in the land of in-between. When I lost my job I was upset, sad, and just shocked that it even happened. I had built that career for 15 years and I was so excited with my new position and what adventures that laid ahead. I am not my job or title. I know that I am a daughter of our Lord God, I know where my identity lies. I was just so sad to leave my schools, teachers, kids, and friends that I had worked so hard to support and pour into. The question that loomed ahead: what next? Do I try to stay in the same field or do I try a new career and new path. I decided to just give up. Not to give up and not care, but to give it all up to God. I took a couple weeks to feel sorry for myself and then let God lead me to the next step. 

I prayed before each application and asked God to either shut the door or open it. The first one was a clear sign. An immediate email saying they were going in a different direction. To be honest, for a second I was hurt, then I said "well Lord, I guess that is not the career path for me then." and moved on to the next one. I applied to many jobs within the Early Childhood field, both office and remote. Many jobs I never heard back from and some I received that 'we chose someone else message.' Each time I dusted myself off, prayed, and moved to the next one. Towards mid March a job appeared in my inbox as a suggestion from one of the job sites I was on. It was an Academic Advisor position for Conerstone University. I hadn't thought of that position before but decided it was an opened door and to give it a try. A week later I was getting my hair done and my hairdresser prayed over me after my appointment. She asked God to let me know if He wanted me to have this job and to give me an answer quickly. Two minutes later I received an email from Conerstone for an interview. I had a great interview and enjoyed the thought of trying something new and working in a Christ centered environment. I received an email letting me know that I did not get the job, another door closed. However, they loved my interview and thought I would be a good fit in the Registrar's Office. The Registrar was in the interview and wanted to see if I would like to become an Assistant Registrar. Again, I had never thought of that career path but was intrigued and knew that God was closing and opening doors right before my eyes. After a quick phone conservation and an in-person interview I received that email again. The Registrar had one question. Her question: why do you want this job with what you have accomplished in Early Childhood and in your career, you are basically over qualified? I told her this: the last 8 months have been some of the hardest in my life. I have learned to let go and let God lead me. He has led me here and I am ready to step back, learn something new, and start fresh. I am ready to use my God given talents in ways that I cannot understand yet. On April 16th I started at Cornerstone University as an Assistant Registrar. From Early Childhood Education to Higher Education! God willing I will be able to build my career at Cornerstone and use my gifts in many ways. I get to talk about God freely, go to chapel every Wednesday, and really reinvent who I am, because these last 8 months have changed me in ways that I am still figuring out. 

Blake: Pre-teen hood is upon us! Blake is growing like a weed and is already 5ft 6in, he has really grown this school year! Deodorant, air fresheners, showers, so many snacks, eye rolls and life lessons are filling our daily conversations. Blake will start middle school next year and has chosen to play the violin, no surprise there as he was fitted with a full size violin. Scouts has also been a big adventure this spring with campouts and learning how to survive in a cold tent for the night. And much to his dislike he is learning to mow the lawn, his first try resulted in a beautifully manicured lawn. It was fun to watch Mike get to teach his son something that his own dad didn't get a chance to do with him. Blake was the same age as Mike when Mike's dad passed away. It was hard to realize this as Mike was in the hospital. But oh so sweet to have him home with a new heart and able to teach his boys and walk with them as they grow into their manhood.  

Easton: Easton is our sour patch kid, one minute sweet and cuddly, the next coming at you with sarcastic remarks and attitude...I'm not really sure where he gets that from (probably me) LOL! Easton received his first set of braces and of course chose red and orange colored bands. He is also busy in cub scouts and is looking forward to their yearly campout in May with his dad. We are so proud of his hard work in speech class at school and in private lessons, he is using his tools to help with his stutter and speech fluency. He is fast to learn and is doing great with his math lessons excelling with his MAP tests at school. Easton has a little friend in the neighborhood that knocks on our front window every morning. Him and Easton walk to school every day together and often play after school. It is so fun watching grow up, making friends, and using his imagination along the way. 

We have had a busy month 7 here in the Neubert house with lots of adventures, big changes, and fun times. With Easter coming and going we reflect on how Jesus trusted in God to lead him and guide him to the right path, the path to the cross and eternal life. As we step into the unknown of month 8, a new job, middle school, and friendships we can rest easy in knowing that God has a plan and path for us to follow. Just give up...give up your life and follow Jesus for a better one.