Donnie continues to eat . . . and be hungry between meals . . . and has gained back to 161 pounds (he had lost down to 154 pounds).  He continues to have no nausea or pain.  What a wonderful praise!  His color is better, and overall he is just happier (me, too).  YAY!  Of course it helps that wonderful friends keep bringing us amazing food!  Ariana and Norma (friends from his former workplace FH Altamonte ICU) brought us a “Six Shooter” from 4 Rivers Smokehouse for dinner, and Charles and Nancy Wise (our amazing neighbors) brought us strawberry cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.  I need an exercise consult for sure!!

This morning all our boys came to the house to watch American Sniper.  It’s so wonderful to have them all together, as that is hard to accomplish these days.  They are all so patriotic, served their country, and really wanted to see this together (especially with Donnie).  They also decided to take advantage of a fun photo op.

This afternoon we got a visit from our dear friend Sharon Evans Ramsey, who was down from South Carolina visiting family for her birthday.  It’s always wonderful catching up with her about our families, especially when there is lots of good news all around.  We love you Sharon!

Today something extra special happened.  I received a message and pictures from some of Donnie’s coworkers from the ICU at Florida Hospital East.  They wrote to me,  “Up bright and early on this God given beautiful morning to run The Color Run for our friend Donnie McFarland!  We love you!”  This is a 5K run to promote healthiness and happiness.  They ran as “Team Donnie!!”  He was so honored and touched!!  What an uplifting surprise for us!!

I ask Donnie every morning how he is feeling, and this morning he said, “I feel great!”  He really meant it.  Man . . . we have come a long way baby in the last 17 days.  We wish we could hug all of you for praying for us.  As you can see for yourselves, there is something special going on here.  We serve a mighty God, and He never ceases to take our breath away with the beauty of this world, the complexity of our human-ness, and the amazing love he gives us through His son.  We are so blessed and encouraged!