Sitting and looking back it seems almost as if it were a dream. It is amazing how we put certain experiences behind us. But this was not an experience that I ever want to fall into the depths of memory and I'm very happy that I was blogging and have my record of my experience starting from the earliest decision making process, through the frustrations of dealing with the system, the last crisis, the surgery, dealing with the aftermath, and understanding. (The complete posts dealing with the history are titled Organ Donor Chronicles and labeled Living Organ Donor for anyone interested in the full story).
It took much much longer for me to bounce back from this than I thought. Physically it seemed that I came back in reasonable time but emotionally it was much tougher. I had the hardest time getting my enthusiasm to work. And it wasn't like I could afford to not be working. It was almost 5 months afterward when our personal financial situation was reaching a crisis point that I finally seemed to get over that hump and it wasn't until around nine months later that I felt that I was fully back. I had some lingering strength issues that I finally figured out a few months ago and was able to resolve some exercises.
So after a year how do I feel about having undergone this whole endeavor?
- Incredible gratitude to have had the opportunity with all the years of stress and strain that were a part of it. It changed my life - my whole inner being and attitude toward life, my relationship with my family and among my family, and with those that I am close with.
- A sense of incredulity - I mean I was 60 years old when I did this. Who in their right mind does this kind of thing at that age?
- A deeper sense of appreciation of everything that I have been given and have each day, each moment.
- And a feeling of completeness.
8 comments:
Wow! One year already! We
appreciate the sharing of your innermost feelings about the kidney donation through your posts.
So glad you and your sister are doing well!!! Proud of ya'!!!
G. Derf & Agent W
Happy Kidney Donation Day.
This speaks volumes about the person that you are and the lengths that you will go to for people.
Happy Kidney Donation Day, my friend! I remember you mentioning several times that you found it hard to bounce back. I hadn't realized to what degree. I'm glad that you're back in top form now.
Happy Donation Day! I can't believe it was only a year ago- it seems like forever. Thank goodness you are both doing so well now. Oh, and I just found out my blood type finally, A+. Just in case anyone needs to know. ;)
Good for you! A nice day of reflection. That was an amazing sacrifice...not sure if I would be capable of it.
Having a sense of appreciation and feeling of completeness is what every person aspires to fulfil in a lifetime, I certinaly being one.
You having this inner being and wonderful attitude towards life, family and friends is a beautiful thing.
Happy KDD!! (abbreviating it, makes it hip"!!)
That's quite a gift you gave. I'm sure there a whole lot of people who will be forever grateful to you. Glad to hear that you're doing well.
happy KDD! I think the experience made us all reflect a lot. So glad we still have both you and Aunt Judy in our lives!
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