One week

So here I sit, one week from transplant. To say I am still overwhelmed is an understatement. The love, prayers and support for myself and my donor  Andi and our families has been so amazing and beautiful. I can’t thank everyone enough for everything! My hope and prayer is I can pay it forward in some way. 

I have been given a unique gift. I didn’t give it much thought at the time, but I had an opportunity to know what it feels like to almost die and then, overnight, come back to life. I will never forget the feeling. Now that I am healing, the pain is bearable because my mind and soul are so clear. Some might look at all of the medication I will have to take the rest of my life as a burden. I look at is a chance, two time a day, to be reminded just how blessed I am. I have to be committed to taking these medications. If I fail to take these pills everyday, on time, the gift of a kidney from Andi and the efforts of my doctors, surgeons, nurses and even the cleaning crew at OSU were in vain. I want to make every effort to be sure I live my life to the fullest and do what I can to help everyone I can. I’m not sure what God’s plan is for me at this point, but I am excited to see. 

Everything happened so fast it seems surreal. I keep having moments when it hits me that I have had an organ transplant! I knew I would have to at some point in my life, but the realization that has happened is almost unbelievable. I am looking forward to recovering and being able to step outside a new person. To face each day with energy and clarity. To not be foggy and wonder how long I could make it before I needed to head home before it was unsafe for me to drive. This Christmas I have a new understanding of the gift of life. The gift to see friends and family, to hold and play with my nieces and nephews, to see and look people in the eyes and say thank you. It is a gift to have sunrises and sunsets. Don’t ever let a day go by and not stop and thank God for the chance to live. The rewards you recieve at the end of this life will be payment for the struggles on this earth and how you handle them. Go hug everyone you can and tell them you love them! I went to sleep last Friday morning sick and dying and woke up Friday afternoon alive and healing!  Unbelievable!! 

Sincerely,

Shannon