Well... it’s been little over 3 years. What a ride it has been. The first year post-transplant kept me on my toes with a few overnighters at the “Einstein Hilton”. For a while even the doctors and nurses gave me that “inquisitive puppy / cocked head” look when I would show up with a fever, an ache or some kind of ”whine”. But after a little tweaking of the “meds” and a string of pokes and probes, in search of “gremlins”, I have settled into a very pleasant plateau. I have met numerous folks since my transplant. Young and old, male and female, similar to myself in that we have been given a second chance. I have met others who have lost a loved one and in spite of their grief, made the decision

to grant a stranger the “Gift of Life” by donating their loved ones organs and tissue. Each person tells an amazing and heartwarming story of desperation, hope, sorrow, joy, empathy and gratitude. To quote a good friend of mine and donor father, “We are members of a very special club. Transplant recipients and donor families, we have all been to hell and back!”.

 

Nine months after my transplant I married my best friend, a very caring, passionate and smart (she married me) human being. My son and I continue to

work, slowly but surely, on improving what some would consider a “cats in the cradle” relationship. For quite a few years I let that useless emotion... er... “whatchacallit”... guilt, that’s it... guilt.. get in the way of saying the things I had to say and doing the things I had to do. Some were hurt along the way, others were angered. I hope and pray that those that I’ve hurt have forgiving me and that those I have angered harbor no ill feelings towards me or anyone else for that matter. Because of all that has happened, not in spite of, I am now finally at peace with who I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing even if I could. My priorities have changed a bit, as to what is important and to what degree. My definition of “happiness” has also changed substantially. It is not, in my humble opinion, laughing and being giddy all the time. Happiness is a sum of

all that surrounds me, all the good this life has offered me... all the warts, blemishes and “hiccups” that come with it.

 

Finally, a few words (I promise, just a few) for my friends and family.

To the doctors, nurses and healthcare staff that have counseled, admonished, torn me apart and put me back together... many thanks for a heck of job.  

Extra thanks to Dr.’s Nick, Cosme, David & Santiago (after all the intrusion into my body, it would be appropriate to be on a first name basis).  

Ellen... what can I say... you’re the best... you rock!!!

Linda & Jennifer... thanks for your kindness and for putting up with me all this time.

Jay & Gerry, John & Louise... many thanks for welcoming me into this “family” of ours in Berks.

Dwendy... your dedication to an enormous and difficult task and your beaming smile have been and remain an inspiration to me.

Janet, Carol & Jay... your energy and zest for life is contagious. I think I met my match when it comes to “yapping up a storm”.

Mom & Pop... couldn’t ask for better in-laws, even if you hid the silverware when ever I showed up.

Miguel... I am so proud of you and what you do... I love you son.

To my mother, Miriam... I ended up being so much like you in so many ways. Te adoro, viejita!

Cheryl... I look forward to sharing many gray hairs and pints of Geritol with you.

Matthew... your gift and legacy lives on in me and in the lives you saved and enhanced. And for the many who are partaking in this journey with me... my deepest thanks to all of you.