Congratulations to Ethan and Bridget - Part II

It has been a bit of a whirlwind for our family lately. Much of it you have been praying for around Ethan’s health, however there are also some happy blessings. We had left off in part I with the news that Ethan and Bridget were engaged! We of course are are all very happy and love Bridget to death. They have been dating since high school, and I know they had been thinking about marriage for awhile. Ethan however, was busy getting his Journeyman Plumbing license, and Bridget was busy finishing her Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. Well, as both of them were about to accomplish these goals, Ethan proposed!

We mentioned in Part I that Ethan had chosen this beautiful spot in Rockwall, and we were thrilled to learn that Bridget accepted. Now we can also share that he made his proposal with this beautiful engagement ring.

Well, Ethan ended up getting his Journeyman License (actually before he popped the question).

And, just yesterday we celebrated Bridget’s graduation with high honors, earning the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree!

Once they got engaged, came the difficult discussion of when to have the wedding. While they would have preferred to plan something well in advance, so they could have a choice of venues, invitations sent, preparations made, etc., this was untenable. Unfortunately, given the unknown timing of Ethan’s liver team selecting a live donor, and then scheduling the procedure followed by significant recovery time, any timing over a few weeks in advance was at a high risk of being superseded.

So the best plan for them both was to not delay the wedding. With that hard choice done, it was decided that they would have a small ceremony on June 7th with immediate family only. Hopefully friends and family will understand that while they had hoped and planned on sharing this celebration with many more loved ones, it was just not possible given the circumstances.

Adding to the list of the things we are thankful to a loving God for, they have already found an apartment in Rockwall (near where Ethan proposed), and Bridget has already been offered a job!!

Finally, thanks so much to everyone for the prayers and support. We have a healthy list of folks who have volunteered to be a living donor, which is really the only solution to Ethan’s condition. We have many many people who are offering regular prayers, and 53 people have generously donated to Ethan’s GoFundMe. We have raised 37% of our goal, which is going to be a blessing while Ethan is out of work for the procedure, and of course, for the many medical expenses.

Everyone’s prayers, love, and encouragement have been a source of strength to Ethan, and to all of us really. We love you all and ask you to continue to keep Ethan and Bridget in your prayers!