If there has been any post more important or more meaningful to me in the last 3 years of starting this blog, it’s this one right here. In life we have so many experiences that shape us and make us who we are today and I am about to share that experience. It was a life experience that I wish no person has to go through, but I’m sharing this here, hopeful that it might help someone going through a similar situation. While it was hard to go through at the time, I am now able to reflect back on it and see how God made many beautiful things come out of it- new lives, relationships, and creating the strongest bond between two families.
My hero is my Dad.
If you have had the privilege to know my Dad, I know you would agree with me that he has the kindest, most gentle, servant-like, spirit and heart. While the act of being my husband’s donor was courageous, my Dad has always been my hero. Even as a young girl, he set the example of what type of husband to hold out for by the way he loved my mother and put God first in our family. My relationship with the Lord is what it is today because of his guidance and example. I could honestly go on and on how my Dad was always helping others so it was really no surprise when he selflessly stepped up to be the donor for Garth.
Garth and I met in the church and although he was older than me, I’ve basically loved him since I was in Jr. High School. I married him young at the age of 20 and we soon began a life of working and traveling. At the age of 23 I received a job as a third-grade teacher and decided to sign Garth and I up for the health fair as the district had it as a paid incentive and he had been getting severe headaches all summer.
It was during the blood draw that we found out that his blood pressure was extremely high and this started our journey into finding out that he had a very rare kidney disease, MPGN. The next 3 and half years would bring us the greatest gift of Adelyn Kay, building our forever home, and the news of expecting our second gift, Emery Jane. This is what you would have seen if you were on the outside, but on the inside of our home we were dealing with so many trials and heartache due to numerous “hopeful for a change doctor appointments” only to leave with more disappointment and fear of what the coming months may look like for our family.
To be honest, I know we both questioned our faith during these years. Wondered why God was doing this to our family and wouldn’t miraculously heal him. But as I write this, my eyes are filled with tears as I can now see how God worked through all the trials. Our faith in Him is truly what got us through the excruciating months of the unknown and the heart-wrenching news of Garth’s kidneys slowly giving up.
It was after the second year, we decided it was best for Garth to get on the donor’s list for a new kidney. Through this process, we were told it would probably take up to 4 years to even get a call. With this news, we knew he didn’t have 4 years to wait so all his family began getting tested to see if they could be a donor. Parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all tested and no one was a match, as he needed someone with an O positive blood-type.
I still remember the day my Dad said yes. I was driving to the grocery store to pick up Garth’s medicine, praying to God for a miracle. Garth hadn’t been feeling the best and I know we needed to act fast on something for him. I was walking out of the grocery store when I ran into my Dad. He could tell something was wrong and as he asked If I was okay, I just held up the bag of medications I just picked up for Garth. I could see it on his face, just sadness for circumstances life was giving us. That’s when he lightheartedly said, “I have an extra kidney and it’s all his.”
I lost it. Right there in front of the store, crying because I had just been praying for a miracle.
My Dad began almost-a-year process of getting tested to be Garth’s donor. I know it wasn’t easy for him, but he went through it with such grace and positivity. And then on January 14th, 2015, my Dad saved my husband’s life through a kidney transplant.
I still remember every small detail from the day like it was yesterday. What I felt the most that day was peace, and when I think about that day I still feel an overwhelming amount of peace. I was 7 months pregnant, with both my Dad and husband undergoing a major surgery, and I know that it was my faith in Him that carried me through that day. I could go into so many amazing details of how God showed himself that day (maybe for another post), but the point is my Dad selflessly said “Yes” to saving my husband’s life and I am forever grateful.
Our hero said “Yes”, but there are unfortunately so many others waiting on the transplant list. Like I mentioned before, it can take many years to receive a call that a donor is available. I feel like through this experience, I can be a voice for those waiting and share our experience of a successful life-saving transplant. One deceased donor can save up to 8 lives through organ transplant and up to 75 lives through eye and tissue donation.
A few other facts behind organ, eye and tissue donation:
- Donation doesn’t cost you or your family anything.
- Your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor will not interfere with your medical care.
- Donation will not interfere with funeral arrangements, including an open casket or viewing. Donors and their families are treated with the utmost respect and care.
- Nearly 200 people in just Wyoming are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
We can all be a hero and help save multiple lives by checking “YES” for organ, eye and tissue donation each time you obtain or renew a drivers license or state ID. You can also register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor here . My hope and prayer is that the amount of people on the transplant list will decline as we spread the word about the importance of making the decision to be a donor.
I’ve experienced first-hand the ultimate sacrifice and act of love that a donor gives.
Life.
My Dad said “yes” to allowing my husband to have more time. Time to teach the kids how to ride a bike and throw a ball, travel to different places and see new things, to be there on their first day of school, celebrate birthdays and family traditions during the holidays, be there to wipe their tears when they fall or experience their first break-up, to walk the girls down the aisle at their wedding, and most importantly live and experience life with me. These are all the things my dad was able to do, and through the gift of life he gave; Garth can now do all of these things too.
Thank you, Dad.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Donate LIfe. The opinions and text are all mine.