Tales from the Transplant Clinic

So it was a rainy Monday morning, and the not only does the weather suck, but I have been sitting in the waiting room waiting to be seen for the last 2 hours. I guess if you get to the clinic early, they still won't see you early. Cause some people may be sick and need the extra time. Well wouldn't you think that they would see the people who aren't as sick first in order not to spread the illness any farther? Well maybe that would be my mentality, but I think that is how it should work. Mind you when I was sick, I though the opposite. lol

Anyhow, on to the meaning of this posting. I was sitting in the waiting room, waiting patiently with my crosswords, and I was listening to these two older men talking. I am not talking about some men who are in their 50 or 60's, these men were significantly older. The one gentleman was 68 and 14 years post transplant, 14 years, how much more promising can that possibly get for me. The other gentlemen, who was so cute, and frail, but adorable none the less, was 11 years post transplant, and he was so cute.

I couldn't help but over hear their stories, of how the one man, who owns a farm out in Barrie, has corn roast every summer with other transplant patients in the area. His wife, is so adorable also, she little, chunky and has the cutest smile. She has curly white w=hair, and she looks like an angel. she's precious. The gentleman, is 3 of four in his family who have all had Double lung transplants. He was saying to me that there is one man who goes to his roast every summer who is 19 years post transplant.

The gentleman who is 14 years post, said the best thing he could have ever done was to get the transplant. He was able to live to see his grandson grow up to be a "Fine young man". He never thought he was going to see him grow up. Listening to their stories is such an inspiration, that I am even more grateful everyday to the Grandfather up above, who gave me life, and made me the person I am today. Mind you a lot of that has to do with how I was raised. And every day I thank the lord above for my family, my friends and my Donor, most importantly my donor.

An that note, I want to say how happy I am for Ashley, a new friend who I met from across the hall when I was admitted in Toronto at St. Mike's. We have never met face to face, cause we aren't allowed, but she has decided to be put on the list. So together we have to congratulate her on a difficult and brave choice. I am so very proud of her, for taking this step. It's a tough one for some, and others not so much, but an important one none the less.

Ashley, if you are reading this I want you to know that no matter what choice you make, and if you ever need anything, you know you can always be in touch with me, whether you call me or write, I am always here. You have a friend in me, and will always be a sister in health. There isn't anything you can do that would ever upset me. When your sick, I'll make you laugh, when you cry, I'll make you smile, and when you want to give up, I will encourage you to be strong. That is what true friends do.

Love everyone to pieces, and thank you so much for everything you all do, and continue to do for me, and my family. You are all my inspiration.

Kisses & hugs
Ali