We Did It!

I've had a hard time figuring out how I want to write about this. In my head, whenever I think of it, I'm jumping up and down, ecstatic, shouting 'we did it, we did it!' But it's only natural to feel that kind of joy, right?

On Feb 23rd, my daughter successfully received the transplant of my donated kidney. The surgeons were very happy with the condition of the kidney, saying it was very healthy and young-looking. It pinked up and began working immediately. Within days, her creatinine count was lower than mine!

I was out of the hospital by Friday and Pinky was released on Saturday. OMG, the way the boys took care of us was fantastic! They cooked for us and kept the house tidy, brought us anything and everything we needed, gave us backrubs and loved on us like you wouldn't believe! One time, she and I thought we were alone and I mentioned how I really wanted these chicken nuggets I saw on TV. I thought my son was outside but he was just at the door and overheard me. That little stinker went out and surprised me with nuggets!!

My Mom and Dad came up for two nights to give the boys a break. They too were lovely. Mom has a new soup recipe which she made for us and Dad was, as always, great company. He's wearing his hair in a little ponytail now.. it's too cute!

Pinky had to go back to the hospital every other day. They'd draw blood in the morning, then when we returned again later, tell her if she needed to increase or decrease any of her immuno-suppressant drugs. It was tiring as we had to be there by 8am, before she took her morning drugs, for the blood draw. But incredibly, both boys were always up in time, uncomplaining and jovial on the way to the hospital. We weren't always beautiful, mind you (lol) but we were all there, together.

The experience has given me such a feeling of closeness to my beautiful children. More than that, I am intensely PROUD of them. My daughter, not even 21 yrs yet, has taken all this on like a pro. She was scared, hell we all were.. but she did anything and everything she could, just to get this arranged. And my son was so caring and dedicated to us. He was right beside me through all my pre-op up until I went to surgery. During our convalescence he didn't get bored or fed up, but loved on us every single second. Pinky's boyfriend, RR, was just as fantastic.

After our first week out of the hospital, Loubie flew out to us. I was so worried about her, she was only 7 weeks post-hysterectomy herself! She looked tired when she arrived, but she smiled and I melted right into her arms. (Lol.. I forgot we're not home and got some interesting looks in the Spokane baggage claim, kissing on my woman.)

I also want to make special mention right here of the fact that I couldn't have done this without the loving generosity of my Loubie. She and her magic credit cards gave us the townhouse rental for us all to recuperate together and the flight tickets..all wthout hesitation because she loves me AND she loves the kids.

The following Monday, way earlier than expected, the transplant center released Pinky from her checkups. The kids were free to go home! When we got back to the townhouse, we just sat in shock for a few hours, not quite knowing how to proceed. But the hospital had already made Pinky's next appointment with her specialist back home so they packed all their stuff and headed off.

A few days later, my parents came and picked up Lou and I. We had expected to only have about four days together with them but the early release gave us a week and a half! It was so nice! My favorite Auntie came to see us while we were there and later, my little sister came over too! We took many naps, had long, lazy days and were treated to a couple of my Dad's (should be) world famous bbq's. The sun came out, it got up to 67 degrees and I sunburnt my face and arms just lounging on the back deck.

It's always so hard to leave my parents. Not that it's easy to leave the kids.. but my Dad used to have a habit of saying we might not see him again when I'd go. (His health isn't the greatest.) He's been persuaded to stop saying that, but hear it in my head now. I cried. I did it again after I got home. I really miss them all.

Beyond that 'jumping up and down success' feeling I have, remembering this experience will always fill me with intense feelings of love for my kids and my family.