13 years

I posted this time last year, as it is now the 13th anniversary of my fathers kidney transplant. If your interested, I blogged about it exactly one year ago

I wont repeat all of the details I blogged back then, but I will make an update. I admit, I don't think about this much, rarely at all. I guess that is a good thing. It means the kidney is functioning, and I am not suffering any ill effects. My dad does mention the vast array of meds he takes from time to time, but for some reason I forget about where the kidney came from. Again, I think that is a good thing. The less I think about, and the less he thinks about (although I suspect he is reminded of it daily), the better I think it is. If it doesn't stick in your mind, its probably not a big deal (its a big deal, you know what I mean)

I have not checked the UNOS site lately, but I know there is a long line of people waiting for organs that can be transplanted by a living donor. Consider giving someone the gift of life, and if you cant be a living donor, make sure that you pass that on to others after you go. You cant take these things with you, and you just may save a life.

Once a year I get an email from my dad, and I relive the time. It was a tough time going through the surgery, not just the physical side of it, but mostly the mental aspect of it. I do get choked up when I think back on it. It takes but a moment, and I am transported back that snowy January. I remember the night before vividly. I was about as anxious as I had ever been. I distinctly remember getting ready in the morning, and I can recall how I felt, and exactly how the bathroom on the second floor looked when I was getting ready to go. I remember walking down the stairs. Being hungry because I was on a fast. I remember the girl at Froedart sticking my arm for an IV. It was the first one she had ever done. They asked if we could be practice for new students. It wasn't bad for a first stick. I congratulated her. I remember my mom crying. I don't see her do that often, so it is a vivid memory. The I remember the doc telling me he was going to give me something that would calm me down. I wonder what it was, because it was nothing short of awesome. That was a good way to go into surgery, because it was a hard recovery after. My dad recovered quicker, and felt better instantly. Amazing how this organ works. Thankfully you only need one.

I only really go back there once a year when my dad reminds me. There have been many years that this day came and went, and we both completely forgot. I think that is a good thing too. So this year my dad reminded me that he just turned 13.

Well another year has gone by, 13 (less one day), to be exact, and

thanks to you I am still on this planet.  I thank my lucky stars every

day for the extra time your generosity has bought me..To think I

wouldn't be here to enjoy Alex, Maddie, Sam and Sabrina and the rest

of the our family...I've said many times "thanks" doesn't even come

close.  Everyone I've told of your sacrifice has said the same good

things about you that I have known since day one..Thanks again Bri, I

love you, did before, still do.

Still do? That last bit cracked me up pretty good. I still love you too dad. :-)