Update 1/28/24:

I haven't posted an update in a little while, so, well, here we are.

Physically, I'm doing great all things considered. The wound from my surgery is healing very well according to the doctor, although I still have more healing to do. I'm hoping February will bring news that the initial phase of my recovery is complete, and I can hopefully then move on to the next steps of getting to my "new normal" (yes I know, I cringe just using that term too). I won't be able to do the same kind of work I was doing before I got sick, but hopefully I can find something suitable once I am officially able to work again, which is likely still several months away.

I want to again say a special thanks to everyone who donated to my fundraiser. It really helped us through holidays, allowing us to get the kids some nice gifts, and allowed us to cover some of the initial bills from my illness. We are forever grateful! We set a goal and you all came through.

Unfortunately, while I'm doing great physically, the financial assistance we've been waiting for while we're scraping by on Christina's income is still being held up by red tape and "processing", and it is likely to be still several weeks away. If I'm being honest, I've hesitated posting anything about it because we reached the goal, and I don't want my friends and extended family to think I'm just trying to get money from them (our immediate family knows our situation and has helped with absolutely everything they can).

Because I had said the goal I had set, i don't want to change it again. I don't want to be dishonest because I said it was the final goal number. But, should anyone still want to help while we're waiting for approval for assistance, I'll leave the link in the comments.

Thanks again everyone, if you were able to survive reading all that

God bless.