It was the morning before the day of the surgery. Sara and Joe picked me up and we drove up early to Birmingham. We were admitted the day before the surgery. They tested one more time just to make sure that the nothing has changed and the tissues were still a match.
We were admitted into different rooms. Of course, the blood test went fine. Our families arrived later in the day and settled into nearby hotel rooms. We were in a small town at the time where everyone knows everyone. The morning of the surgery, there were about 30 friends and family gathered. They actually had to be moved to another area, because they were taking up too much space in the waiting room.
The surgeon spoke with me one last time. They were able to do my surgery laparoscopically. He explained how the surgeries would take place. I would be prepped for surgery first. Sara was prepped and kept in waiting. Just before the doctor removed my kidney, he would send word to begin Sara's anesthesia.
My family and friends came in to see me one last time before the surgery. The anesthesia was administered and time stood still. The next thing I remember was my spouse leaning over and gently shaking me. "Amy, wake up. The surgery was a success. Your kidney is in Sara and it started functioning immediately."
The majority of the crowd had moved into my room. Sara's family stayed behind to wait for her to come out of surgery. I don't remember much. I have clouded memories of different family members and friends coming to my bedside. There were gentle pats and kisses on my forehead. But, one memory was as vivid and clear as any that I have in my life. Sara had made it to recovery and her family had seen her. My room must have had 20 people in it when Sara's daughter, Amy, walked to the door. A literal hush fell over the crowd. Every one immediately parted and made room for her to come to my bed. She leaned over my bed and with tears streaming down her face, she simply said, "There are no words." I looked back at her and said, "We did it, Amy."
That moment happened five years ago. It was the moment that made it all worthwhile. I would do it again a hundred times if I could.
I do pray that someone out there reading will consider donating to Brandy. If you are interested, all the information you need is just to the right of this blog. Please pray with me that someone out there will consider donating to this young mother.
This blog isn't just for Brandy. There are thousands of people out there waiting for a kidney. Please, sign your donor card. Do we need our organs when we are gone? And what greater legacy can we leave than life to another individual?
If you are interested in donating and would like to talk with me personally, feel free to contact me through the e-mail on the blog. Thank you for taking the time to read and please pray with me for Brandy and the thousands others just like her!
