On December 18, 2003 my best friend got something very special. My LEFT kidney! I had met Kim while my husband was at UVA hospital to have his left kidney taken out due to cancer. It is strange how some people you meet and become instant friends. Kim and I were like that. And I'm a firm believer that God put me there at the time that he did because she would need me later on.
I had first met her dad, and had no idea he was her dad, about a year before I met Kim. He was at a horse show up in Russell County Virginia. Kim and her entire family live in Stuarts Draft, VA. Kim's mother and mine both have the same name, Betty! Kim's husband and I have the same birthday, May 25! And of course Kim and I have the same blood type, A+. And now Kim and I share body parts! OK, just one part, but that's enough.
I'm going to show a picture of Kim and myself the morning of the transplant. Our hospital beds were side by side only separated by a curtain. After we both had gotten undressed and into our lovely hospital gowns and caps we took this picture.
Our families were there with us both. And both families were crying and all that. Funny how I never did get nervous or anything. And neither did Kim. We were the only calm ones in the bunch! You should be able to tell that by the picture.
After the transplant we decided to give a name to our shared kidney. We named her "Sydney". I think it fits.... Sydney the kidney! LOL
It's been 4 years now. Sydney is going strong for Kim. That is the thing that I'm so proud of. The rest of me may be falling apart, BUT I sure have good kidneys! Or should that be "Had" good KIDNEYS? Anyhow, Kim, If you needed another and I had a dozen I'd do it all over again.
The one thing that people said before we did the transplant and after that upset me more than you will ever know was "I couldn't do that for a family member, let alone just a friend." NOW that made me mad..... still makes me mad. The good Lord made us with some things that are actually spare parts. And if part of me can help another person live a normal life again, darn it I'm doing it!
If anyone that comes here and reads this, please think of just one thing. Please think about becoming an organ donor. It is amazing how many lives you could save.
FYI: Kim is on the left, I'm on the right.
Don't you just love our matching outfits! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
1 comment:
Dianne, I knew you were a special gal the first time we chatted. I am so thankful that our paths crossed. i, too, believe God has a purpose for us being together if nothing but be comic relief for each other.
I am glad you were there for Kim. I am also glad that she is doing so well.
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