Sunday, October 26, 2008

THREE MONTHS OUT

Well, today is my 3 month "anniversary" if that is what you want to call it. It is 8:51 pm, and three months ago at about this same time, I was just getting ready to go back into pre-op. I thought I was pretty calm and at peace, but now when I think of the alternative, I wonder if I was really all that calm. My wife, daughter Marissa, and Monica's kids; Erin and Cory were all there. Erin was even aloud to bring our grandson Jonathan back for a very short time before I went in to surgery. I never really thought at the time, that I would never see them again. It is amazing to me that today, 3 months later, I can drive, shop, go to church, and really, just live. I still can't believe this has happened to me. I am so greatful for the gift of life that was given to me. I have thought often of writing a letter to UNOS (the organization that allocates the donated organs) to give to the family, but how do you even begin a letter like that? I have so many ideas that go through my head all the time, I just want the words to be the right ones, so I will wait until I feel like the right words are there. So, today on my three month anniversary, Thank you to the person who made the donation of their lungs, what a gift, Thank you St. Joseph's Transplant Team, you are all amazing to me, Thank you to my family in Ohio; your love and support given to us is appreciated so much, Thank you to all of our "old friends" and all of our new friends we have met this past 23 months, Thank you Dr.'s Shah and Levinson........Words aren't enough to let you know how much I appreciate the care you have given to me, you kept me alive and healthy enough to receive the transplant, Thank you Monica for always being there. A good three months.....God is so Good!