Tuesday, December 13 – Day by Day Becomes 14 Years
Well, it has been a while, hasn’t it?
We keep meaning to sit down and write an update. And life keeps happening…and in this case it really has been a “no news is GOOD news” scenario.
I did a funeral at my church, FPC Burlington, on Monday afternoon, and I was enjoying some time meeting out-of-town folks. One woman said, “your name sounds so familiar…” and I assumed it was the Montreat connection (as it often tends to be in those situations). And then another church member said to me, “This is the woman who shared your son’s name on their church’s prayer list in Virginia last year!” And they started asking about Heath and I said, “Oh my gosh, I was getting ready to write an update for tomorrow.” And then 15 minutes later I got a text from another dear church member who saw this on the Duke website and said, “Is this Heath?”
On Tuesday between 5-6pm Heath and I will be interviewed at the Mix 101.5 studio about our experience at Duke. We haven’t done the Radiothon for MANY years, but it felt like this was a good year to jump back in–and even more special on the 14th anniversary of Heath’s heart transplant.
It is a great way to support Duke Children’s hospital, which does so much good for SO MANY CHILDREN! https://wralfm.com/radiothon-
So I guess the Spirit was moving for an update.
First, the medical update–
Heath continues to do monthly check-ups with Duke oncology and 3-month CT scans, although we may finally be able to push that out a bit because the scan on Nov. 8 was CLEAR!!! The most decisively clear yet.
He will still have monthly labs and visits with HemOnc and he will have a heart catheterization on Thursday, Dec. 22. Apparently chemo can cause some heart issues (but his has been strong through all treatment) so they have to do a 6-month heart cath instead of annually like usual. So, that is not the best experience for the beginning of winter break, but he is doing so well in school that we didn’t want him to take a day off if we could help it.
We continue to check in with some of the other specialties at Duke as well–like orthopaedics and nephrology, and I have learned that I never should have said, “Wow, I think we’ve seen almost all the specialties,” which I think I said to someone a few months before the lymphoma reared it’s ugly head. Then came oncology (we love them, but wish we didn’t have to add them to our list of docs).
He has quarterly heart checks at Duke and a new at-home lab program monthly that is supposed to be as accurate as a heart catheterization in detecting rejection. Modern medicine is AMAZING.
Then, the rest–
We made our way through a lovely and busy summer full of family and friends and a really “thrilling” kitchen renovation–one 14 years in the making–and the finished product is the wonderful gathering space I had always dreamed of creating.
High School started with a bang.
EB’s tennis season went well and she is managing MANY AP classes and we’ve started doing college visits (yikes!)
Heath has rocked 9th grade so far, has been labeled the “Best school sports fan” by many AND finished driver’s ed (yes, you read that correctly. watch the road after he gets his Jan. 18 learner’s permit!).
Wilson is, well, Wilson, and continues to be an expert on maps of the world (ask him where ANY country is located) and football stats.
Serving as pastors of two different, wonderful congregations continues to challenge and fulfill Chris and me. We’ve married and buried loved ones. We’ve cried a little, laughed a lot. all the things.
How would you describe your last 6 months?
How are we? Well, that’s complicated. We’re fine. We’re grateful. We’re exhausted–emotionally and physically. We’re a little traumatized, trying to harness the chaos that is life, trying to figure out how to live without constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. We’ve done this for a long time, most of our children’s lives, most of our married life. And we’ve found ways to appreciate the good things, big and small. And, we’ve tried to roll with the punches with as much grace and humor as possible.
We’ve tried to do a little good and spread a little love and hope and light along the way. And as so many people we know who walk complicated journeys, we’ll put one foot in front of the other and keep on moving, keep on praying.
14 years ago, as we sat waiting for a heart and then for Heath to begin to recover from transplant surgery, our family made a wreath of their hands traced and cut out. Over the years I hung it up, with bent fingers and a little worn and torn, because it reminded me of the love that surrounds us, the circle of life for all of us, who are all a little worn and torn. Last year I finally had it framed, so it could live on, slightly more protected, reminding us of that time and of the most precious gift of life–of a family’s incredible gift, whose precious daughter’s heart beats strong within our son.
May we all be reminded that we are surrounded by love, whether we’re worn and torn, whether our journeys feel smooth or a little (or A LOT) bumpy.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5
A funny note came from Chris as I was writing this at church: “14 years later , that child is singing bad country music too loudly in the kitchen while making his lunch and complaining that his sister isn’t’ ready yet to take them to the student government Christmas gathering. I guess we’ll take it.”
Indeed, we will.
We’re grateful for all of your love and care.
We wish you good health and light and hope in the coming year.
Saw Heath last night at the Jordan BB game, he looked great!
Such an inspiring update!! It’s wonderful to read how your family has prayed together, laughed and cried together over the last 14 years. Merry Christmas to you all!
Sending love on this celebration day of 14 years for Heath’s amazing resilience and a wonderful family who have traveled on faith, love, and hard work!
So happy to read all of this great news. Carrie you are about to become the shortest Tuttle as Wilson is growing like a weed. Love to all.
So glad to hear the update on Heath
And wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Sure hope Tom and I can get up to see Your Mom and Bobby sometime soon
Love to all ❤️🎄🙏
Loved the update and pictures! Is Heath at Jordan? I was in Durham last week visiting Katharine and think I saw Heath walking into school when I dropped Brianna and Everett off on Wednesday morning!
Giving thanks and praise for the blessings that have been bestowed on the Tuttle Family
Thanks for the update and the pics – we love you all!!
Wonderful Update…
I’ll always remember when Heath Tuttle was born (and Ella Brooks Tuttle too)…
Continued Prayers over the Tuttles….
Merry Christmas to you all!!!
Hugs and Love
Bonnie from Faith Presbyterian
Love this update SO much! ❤️
Playing for a blessed new year to come.
You continue to inspire and bless everyone who knows you!
Love from the Dye family, near and far
“I guess we will take it. Indeed, we will.”
xoxo
Giving thanks over and over again for each of you with prayers for Heath’s continued healing.
Oh my gosh! Wonderful news for Heath. Love your from the heart writing. But I couldn’t hold back the tears. Love you guys!
Lynne
…tears in a good way. I was touched by your writing, your story, your family, you!
As always, grateful for the Tuttle family, in good times and challenging times. I am still stunned that it has been 14 years since that glorious, 3:00 am call that Duke had a heart for Heath.
Love and hugs to each of you!❤️
Love, love, love! So grateful!