The day before I was admitted to the hospital in Florida, I went on a roller coaster at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That, in itself, was a victory. In January of 2009 I weighed 293 pounds during our family vacation in Orlando. I had all I could do to keep up with my kids. I opted out of the thrill rides blaming it my back being sore. The truth was that I just didn’t want the embarrassment of not fitting in the seats or needing to use one of the oversized seats. But this year, after two years of diet and exercise I was at 245. I knew I would fit. So, for the first time in five or six years, I strapped in next to Robin for something I loved in my past.

Now, I see that Expedition Everest roller coaster being a lot like the emotional roller coaster I am on with my liver disease. The story of Expedition Everest is that we headed out in search of the Yeti. We quickly discovered that the monster was not at all happy to have us in his territory. He attacked with everything, ripping up the track we were on. We speeded backward in total darkness having no idea when we would be jerked right or left or feel the bottom drop out down a steep dip. We held on screaming.

I feel like I am still on that ride. I hang on while I’m being thrust this way and that in total darkness. I go from appointment to appointment hoping for good news. Some days I feel great and the ride is so smooth that I forget it is a ride. Other days I face my weakness and my diseased liver like it is the Yeti tearing up my track and sending me hurtling in a different direction.

On Monday I met Dr. Amy Tien at the Lahey Clinic. Her sweet spirit and gentle mannerisms set me at ease. I was so nervous that I hadn’t eaten all day. I had tried to prepare myself for the huge drop of, “you need a new liver now.” But, really, can you prepare for that news? Instead, Dr. Amy’s words were flavored with hope. She told me that she didn’t see me as an emergency case. She confirmed that I have time … maybe a good amount of time. I cried a flood Monday night while my family slept. Not sad tears. Not particularly happy tears. Tears of relief and emotional exhaustion streamed down my cheeks.

A celebration? Yes! Am I out of the woods? No. Cirrhosis does not go away. There is no cure for NASH. The Yeti appears to have retreated but, apart from a miraculous healing, he will reappear in all his furry ripping up track wherever he finds it.

I need to have an MRI in the next couple months and I need an ERCP to make sure the veins in my esophagus are not about to rupture. I also will need blood tests and a chest xray for my lungs. I can’t pretend things are normal. This is my track now.

I am so glad to have my faith. I’m so glad to know that my God is walking with me and will give me strength. And, as stupid as it might sound to you, my relationship with Jesus is worth more than my life itself. I’m not mad at God. I’m strengthened by Him. I am determined to show the grace He has given me regardless of how difficult my situation. Think I’m nuts? Yeah, I understand but I would love to convince you otherwise and show you why I have this faith.

The Yeti is out there. I hear his breathing. I feel the pressure of mounting medical bills, our house that still has not sold and my own limitations, but I know who holds my future.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Jesus Matthew 11: 28-30, The Message

A video of Expedition Everest just for fun: