2, 628,000 minutes ago my best friend was wheeled down a long hallway. Her last words to me were “I’ve gotta go rock.”
2,628,000 minutes ago my Mom was wheeled down a long hallway. Her last words to me were “I’ll see you soon.”
For hours I paced. Wore paths in the pastel carpeting.
Pretended to read. Pretended to hold conversations.
Looked up every time a man or woman walked by in scrubs.
I’m fairly certain I held my breath for over six hours.
Until I glanced up one more time and recognized the doctor. I was sitting alone that time. Everyone else was getting snacks or using the bathroom.
But he wouldn’t wait until I had support, he asked me to step into the family room so he could deliver his news.
My Mother’s fate. My best friend’s fate. The two people in the world I was fairly certain I couldn’t live with out.
“Well,” he started slowly, his face giving away nothing.
I had a sharp intake of air and tears welled in my eyes.
“The surgery went as well as we hoped. Your Mother’s new kidney is already producing urine.”
My entire body started to shake as I gasped and thanked the doctor.
I didn’t know then that we were far from out of the woods.
I didn’t know then that I would face the possibility of losing my Mom again.
I didn’t know that in some ways, this was the easiest day of the journey ahead.
What I did know, was that I had just experienced the most selfless and loving act I had ever known.
2,628,000 minutes ago Stacey donated her kidney to my Mother.
5 years ago.
A million memories ago.
And I have never felt gratitude like that before in my life.
It’s not everyone that can say they know a true hero -and I know two.
*******
For more on living donation, please visit this website. I urge you all to fill out organ donation cards as well.
Oh honey, this is such an amazing post. You have so much love, it’s no wonder you have such good friends in your life. So happy for you that you have this experience, even if it was hard.
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What an expression of love! I’m in awe…
Jen recently posted..wordless wednesday- I shot this turkey myself
Wow, I’m speechless other than “Wow”.
Wow, what a special thing to be able to do for someone else. I’m checking out that website right now – I am so thankful both came through!
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♥this post! My cousin is also a kidney donor to another cousin of ours. You are so right…it is one of the most unselfish acts you can ever do for someone. My cousin also wrote a book about her experience called “I will be well again.” It’s a donors guide to spiritual giving and the kidney donation process,without losing your shirt or your faith. To view her book go to: http://www.amazon.com/will-well-again-Donors-Spiritual/dp/1436316707
Such a blessing that your Mom is still here with you to share a lifetime of memories and that your sister gave her the opportunity to do so♥
Amazing. Just amazing.
another jennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Saving the Earth, One Pizza at a Time
Well just make me cry why don’t ‘cha! Simply beautiful!
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted..SOC: Waging War on Fear…
Fantastic. Lovely post. Lovely people.
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