After completing 30 days at Gabriel House of Care, including laboratory work and doctor appointments three to four times each week, I was finally ready to go home.

I truly enjoyed the time David and I spent together in Jacksonville, but by the end of those 30 days, I could think of nothing but home. I was feeling wonderful, my laboratory results were good, and my doctor appointments had become brief and uncomplicated. I was even told that I was one of their easiest patients!

When I finally received the call from my nurse coordinator confirming that I was cleared to leave Jacksonville, David and I immediately packed the car and headed home. We happily let our family know that we were finally on our way.

It felt so good to get onto Interstate 95 South and know that every mile was bringing us closer to home.

When we arrived, my mother, my sister, and her family were there to welcome us. We celebrated this important milestone with cake and ice cream. After being away for an entire month, sleeping in my own bed felt like a dream. We settled in and enjoyed a peaceful evening at home with our daughters.

I returned home during Father’s Day weekend, which made the timing even more special. I was able to attend church and return to my second home, The Grove Bible Chapel.

I had watched the Sunday services through livestream while I was in Jacksonville, but there was nothing like being there in person. I was welcomed with so much love, and it was a blessing to worship with my church family again.

I love my church. ❤️

After the service, we celebrated Father’s Day with lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse, which is one of David’s favorite restaurants.

Although returning home was joyful, it also marked the beginning of the next phase of my recovery.

Because I am taking several medications that suppress my immune system, I must be especially careful around large crowds, including at church. I avoided hugging, kept my hands clean, and tried to maintain a safe distance from others. It was difficult not to hug everyone who had prayed for and supported me, but protecting my health must remain a priority.

Managing my medications is also an important part of my daily routine. I take several medications throughout the day, so I use a weekly medication organizer to make it easier to follow each prescribed dose.

Every morning and evening, I must record my blood pressure, temperature, weight, and heart rate. Changes in any of these measurements could be an early warning sign of infection, medication complications, or kidney rejection.

During my 30 days in Jacksonville, I developed a reliable routine for managing these responsibilities. I keep all of my records in a binder, and I have continued using that same system now that I am home.

For the next four months, I will have weekly laboratory tests at Quest Diagnostics and a video appointment with my Mayo Clinic transplant team every two weeks.

Thankfully, I adjusted well during my first week at home and completed my first local laboratory appointment without any problems. My energy level has increased tremendously, and I continue to feel stronger each day.

David is still doing an amazing job as my caregiver, and I am so grateful for his continued love and support.

Being home feels wonderful, but I know that my recovery journey is not over. I am continuing to take things one day at a time, follow my medical team’s instructions, and remain thankful for every sign of progress.