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!
