This is the day

May, 1998

Talking, planning & scheduling can be exciting but the actual transplant surgery is not at all glamorous. Honestly, no surgery is fun but this battle isn’t just about me, this is about Renee my wife giving to me the gift of life!

Today is the true beginning of this new adventure and for Renee and myself, jumping in is the only way to begin.

The check in @ OHSU Portland Oregon.

This started out weird and funny as we arrived the administrator asked what organ Renee was giving me. We both looked at each other saying is there something other than a kidney from a live donor ?

The next step, waiting for what felt like a whole day. Of course we were nervous and anxious but we wanted to be brave for our son Cody who was and is a rock.

As the surgery time came closer the reality became clear, scary & moving fast. Not a worry for myself but both Cody and Renee felt as if the worlds fastest roller coaster is leaving the building !

Going into this particular surgery has the strangest feeling for me, I have no fear or worries but there’s a constant thought of my need to watch over Renee. Of course, I know God has his hands on us both but nonetheless she’s my amazing giving wife! Here I am receiving the benefit of health from her, wow I am so favored !

Well I have to say that going into surgery versus coming out is a whole different world or better said “upside down world”. I have never met a person who loved their recovery….

This is the pretty side of surgery, ha ! The honest blessing is I thank God for my new kidney, AKA Renee’s kidney. The operation went without fault but our recovery had some tough spots. Renee was over medicated with the line they put in her spinal cord making her so sick. Eventually it was removed and alas, she came back with great strides.

We were so blessed to be side by side in our whole stay but on day 2 I began to spike a high temp so I was put into critical care. Renee, the true pirate got up in the night and walk to the other side of the hospital to see for herself if I was fine. This was crazy, gives me a kidney and on the third day walks all that way! When she walked in I was so shocked and scared! Within minutes they chased her down and dragged her back ! That night I was returned to our room and we continued our recovery.

After 7 days in hospital we were released and began our one month stay in the borrowed 5th wheel camper four miles from the hospital. 30 long days! I’m so thankful for this once again chance of life, no more dialysis, no more being sick feeling everyday!

Thank you Renee, my lovely ever amazing wife and for Cody always being our ever present supporting strength !