dog sitting ramsi (who is now roxy)It was sobering to read this article tonight that was emailed to me by my sister Cydnee. She was one of 4 who were screened to be a living donor for LuLu. One of four who were willing to risk everything for LuLu to live.
I am so grateful that Ashley's family made the decision to allow her to be a donor. It spared someone from having to undergo major surgery.
Being an organ donor is so incredibly important. It is miraculous for donor family's despite their grief and loss and for recipients and their family's for preservation of life that could be done no other way but to receive a new organ.
It's been a little over six months since LuLu's transplant and besides a few hospitalizations, medications, appointments, therapy and blood draws...life is so normal. I'm happily adjusting to it. I'm trying not anticipate the next hospital stay- though we know it will happen. I'm trying to shelter her less, leave the house more and let her explore the world a bit...the germs that come with it and all. I'm never far off with a bottle of hand sanitizer.
After going through a year with Lu as we did...we pretty much put our battle gear on and did what we had to do. We always tried to put our best foot forward, enduring with her as best we could. We thought that something magical would happen as soon as she got her transplant and was "better". Like life would be easy again. But the road has felt rougher at times the last several months than it did prior to her transplant. I think it's because we now have to process that year and everything that came with it. It's traumatic but getting better.
Whether we knew our donors family or not we'd still grieve the death of the child that saved our LuLu. It's difficult. Our appreciation is beyond measure.
Again, GRATEFUL neither James or our siblings had to go through with being a live donor.
GRATEFUL to Ashleys MuM and Dad for allowing her to be OUR donor as well as for several others.
xoxo
lizzie
alpha-1, liver mum
6 comments:
Well said, my Love.
I can't imagine the emotions that you guys go through on a daily basis. But you always seem so positive!! You guys are an inspiration to all. What a beautiful family you are!
Liz you've been my Hero all my life and now I've got three more, James, Lulu and sweet angel Ashley--Love you so much and thank you for sharing your Lulu's struggle with us, That might sound weird, But you have changed how i live life and how now I have a respect for it--love you xoxo cando
Give Lulu a kiss for me!
Thank you for sharing such personal feelings for all to see. You inspire me to be a better mom and person.
I found the article yesterday during my daily news check. Thought of LuLu and Ashley. And cried for Ryan's family.
Lizzie....what a roller coaster you have been on this past year. Thank you for your constrant reminder of love, hope and pressing forward. You have been such an example to me. I sure do miss you!!!!
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