Today’s post was supposed to be all about decorating my new apartment- the process, what I’m adding to the new space, and what I’ll be bringing from our current set up. All very important things and I assure you that content is coming soon enough! But there is something far more important on the forefront of my mind so I thought I’d share that instead.
A few days ago, I received an email from my closest aunt (and Godmother) saying that her partner needs a kidney transplant within the year. The wait list for a kidney is 5-8 years so that is not an option for her.
My first reaction was shock and sadness followed by, “Shit, am I about to donate a kidney?”. I hate to admit this but I felt, just for a millisecond, a wave of relief when I realized that I’m a different blood type than Patti. That split second was followed by an hour of EXTREME guilt at my initial reaction. Someone that I love needs a kidney to live and I felt relief? What the hell is wrong with me?
After talking to a few people, I realized that this reaction is normal in emotionally overwhelming situations such as this. I am 100% sure that if I matched her blood type I would have taken the next steps in the long process of organ-donation. Of course I would do anything to save the life of a family member. Wouldn’t I?
My husband and I spent that evening talking about certain life or death scenarios and what we would do if we were placed in them (a super upbeat conversation, let me tell you!). The idea of selflessness came up a lot. It made me think about at what point I would put someone else’s life before my own. Since then, I’ve been asking myself the question- How many of the decisions we make spur out of selfishness as opposed to selflessness?
It’s easy to put yourself first, to think about your own happiness before anyone else’s. But at the end of the day, we all want to live a life that we’re proud of, and although certain decisions might not be easy or comfortable, I hope to think that people will make the right ones.
Want to help Patti or know someone who might? We’re looking for any healthy person (male or female) with type O blood. Age ain’t nothin’ but a number and is not a huge factor. The donor will have to go to Tufts Medical Center in Boston for initial testing. All expenses will be covered by her insurance (free vacation!). The surgery will be sometime in 2015.
I’d like to ask you all for two things today: 1. Your prayers for my aunts (who have already told me that they have a few prospective donors!) and 2. to do something selfless today. Spend your lunch money on a sandwich for a homeless person. Forgive your mom/dad/husband/friend and tell them that you love them. Donate money to a cause you believe in. If we all do something small, maybe we can create a wave today!
I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt! My uncle went through a kidney transplant a couple years ago and it’s a very difficult process. Thank you fir sharing this and thank you for reminding me to give a little bit more. Best wishes to your family.
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
Thank you, Heidi! I hope your uncle is ok!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your Aunt. I watched my best friend go through this with her younger brother and it’s a long, scary process. Sending positive vibes your way!
Thinking about you and your fam. Prayers to your aunt. <3
This is a really nice sentiment- thank you so much for sharing. You and your family have my prayers!
Such a thoughtful post, and so touching. Sending prayers and positive energy your way.xo
Love this post — thanks for sharing such a personal story with us. Thinking of your family and will definitely perform an act of selflessness today. XO
appreciate your honesty; health is some scary shit, and all of the reactions related to them are normal. sending prayers to your family!
I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt’s partner. It’s true that we have to make the choices that make ourselves happiest, but there are always others to factor into that equation, and I think those are the people whose lives I would put before my own. Praying for you and your family.
Also a brief PSA: if anyone is looking for an easy way to be selfless, add yourself to the bone marrow donor registry. You could truly change someone’s life because of it!
Thank you for sharing, Gabriela. My cousin is a leukemia survivor so I can truly appreciate bone marrow donating!
Thinking about your family during this time, Julia… Such a thoughtful post. Hugs!
Thank you for sharing such a personal story with us. We have all been through similar situations, you’re not alone on this.
Prayers for your aunt, Julia!
I actually work for the national non-profit organization that promotes organ donation! “Excited” isn’t quite the right word I’d use to describe seeing other bloggers talk about donation, but it’s interesting to see how many are touched by it. Your aunt and family are in my thoughts! (Also, a good addition to your list of selfless things to do: If anyone is not already registered as a donor, they can do so here through their state registry: http://donatelife.net/register-now/.)
So beautiful! I would have thought the same thing in the first place and would have felt so guilty after … I wish I could help or anyone I know but I live in a different country so might be hard! However I will pray for your family and do something selfless!
xo S.