It was 6 years ago today on September 12, 2002 that I received a successful kidney and pancreas transplant that dramatically improved my quality of life. After living with Diabetes for over 2o years, the new pancreas set me free of the need for daily insulin shots, finger sticks and special diets while the new kidney gave me normal kidney function so that I could avoid dialysis needed to get rid of the toxins and edema that had accumulated in my blood and body.
The whole experience before, during and after the transplant has indeed been a roller coaster ride with a tremendous amount of ups and downs along with all of the “loop de loops” in between. That’s what amazes me the most, for every trial or “low” I experience, God always counters it with an even greater “high” or miracle. I have been challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually and He has poured His mercy and grace in me. I know some how it was part of His plan that these trials would reveal my true spiritual character, drawing me closer and making me more dependent on him.
As much as today is an anniversary of celebration for me and my family, I could never forget that for another family out there, it is also an anniversary of loss. So today I honor not only my donor but also his family who in a time of loss and sadness, made the selfless decision to donate their loved one’s organs in order to give myself and others a chance to live. I can never explain the love and the appreciation I have for them. I am in absolute awe of the miracle of life where an organ can be taken out of one person and made to live and thrive in another person giving them new life. This can only be the work of God!
I know organ donation is a subject that most people don’t like to talk about but for the sake of those out there who are in such desperate need I feel a need to bring it up. When God decides it is time for us to go and be with him, I can assure you that we won’t be able to take anything but our souls with us, everything else will be left behind. So today, I ask you to go and dig for your driver’s license that is buried deep in your wallet or purse and all stuck to that plastic cover thingy that protects it and take a hard look at it. If you don’t have that little red heart on it indicating that you are an organ donor, I urge to run, not walk to the OMV office and have that changed and tell your next of kin of your wishes. You can save someone’s life, I am living proof of that!!
http://www.lopa.org
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