An Introduction

Dear Readers, Followers, Lurkers, Commentors, Visitors, and All-Around Beautiful People:

First of all, on behalf of Piper, Sampson Bear the Dog, Piper's Family, and everyone else who makes this blog possible, we want to apologize for the recent lack of postings. Please rest assured that, despite the gap, our current mission remains the same as always: to bring you the most up-to-date anecdotes, randomly charming musings, and (strangest of all) true stories of life with CF and lung transplant -- and everything in between! Please also know that the vote is in on blogs with the most amazing, loyal, and forgiving reader base and we are delighted to announce that you all have won the prize, hands down. Congratulations from Piper and all of us!

Unfortunately, as we begin this new year of blogging and being, we do so without the help of one of our crucial team members thus far. As some of you may know, our beloved Donor Bob, whose breath and spirit proved invaluable not just to this blog but to all the experiences, moments, and people behind it, has moved on to greener pastures. Donor Bob graced us with his presence for 3 1/2 years, during which time he enabled Piper to do "Amazing Things" such as return to school for a master's degree, watch some of her closest friends begin families, celebrate her parents' 40th anniversary, turn 30, and meet the love of her life. Now if that's not a gentleman, I don't know what is. Sadly, Donor Bob fell ill early in 2013 and simply never recovered, despite aggressive treatment, to the point where we finally said our goodbyes on Christmas, December 25, 2013. May we always remember him with love and gratitude.

And now for our happy news: Welcome Donor Nick!

We are excited to welcome Donor Nick to the team after his miraculous and perfectly timed entrance into our lives this Christmas Day. (Piper's side note: I actually went into surgery on Christmas around 6:30pm and got out about 12:30am on the 26th, which also happened to be my parents' 43rd wedding anniversary.) Donor Nick has bestowed upon our girl two beautiful new lungs that apparently were so large they had to be "stuffed" in there like a couple of Christmas hams. We'll take it. Donor Nick, thank you for joining our wonderful, chaotic, crazy, beautiful lives. We are, as we remain with your predecessor, eternally grateful for the gift of Life you brought us through your Christmas Day miracle.

It goes without saying that we are blessed beyond measure by this new addition -- and it shows. Piper is recovering well, though still in the hospital in a pulmonary "step down" unit that affords more personalized nursing care. The doctors say the only thing keeping her inpatient are the chest tubes, which are taking a longer time to "dry up" than they did after her first surgery. Much of this is par for the course on second transplants, which tend to be messier business because of scar tissue and other complications. Thankfully our faith in the medical team never waivers -- we know we are getting some of the best care in the world and feel very much at peace with where we are today. Although Piper reports that she would really like to be reunited with that shaggy little mutt of hers one of these days. In good time, Piper. In good time.

So there you have it, friends and loved ones: all the news that's fit to print. And As we gear up for a big year in 2014, please know that we would be honored and delighted if you would continue to share the ride.

Sincerely,

Piper, Sampson, and All of Us