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It is four years ago today that we received our
miracle! The anniversary we celebrate is the gift of life to my Son! It
all began with a phone call...
‘They’ve got a kidney for me Mum!’ My Son Steve
was almost shouting into the phone, he was so excited.
My heart missed a beat, as I realized the
enormity of his statement. This was the phone call we have all been
waiting for. It had finally arrived. What now?
“I am on my way Steve.” I said replacing the
receiver and grabbing the car keys in one movement. Then it happened! I
started shaking and tears streamed down my cheeks. I knew I could not
‘let go’ now. Time was short. We had to get to the hospital as soon as
possible. (Sooner even!) I managed to control my fears, as I got myself
ready and within minutes we were heading for the hospital.
I could not help thinking of all the years of
watching my son’s health slowly deteriorating. The fatigue: the
depression and the hopelessness of kidney failure. The awful dialysis
keeping him alive, but became the monster ruling his life. The
restrictions, meaning he could not even play his beloved guitar. How
many times had he said
“I can’t go on, Mum.”
How many times had the family rallied and ‘been
there’ for him, helping to keep Steve ‘fighting back’? Well he did!
Now here it was! The phone call we had all prayed for had happened.
Steve was on his way to receive the kidney transplant we had almost
given up on, because of Steve’s very rare blood group. He had been told
it could be a long wait, if it ever happened.
I had taken all the tests for him to have one of
my kidneys, but was found to be incompatible. I was heart-broken. Steve
had refused to let his young sister donate one of hers because she was
recently widowed and had two young children. Even though it meant life
or death to him, Steve could not let her take the risk. Thoughts raced
through my mind, as I drove to my son. Yes, I prayed! Prayed, that
finally my son would be able to live to enjoy his life, as others did.
No longer dependent on the dialysis. I prayed for the kidney donor and
the wonderful family who were enabling my son to have the chance of a
new life.
When we arrived at the hospital Steve was rushed
away for many more tests, and a lecture, as to the side effects. The
reliance on anti-rejection drugs for the rest of his life… Then he was
taken to the operating theatre, for a minimum of four hours, we were
told. It was late evening when we made our way home. Only then did I
let the floodgates open, as I sobbed for my son and for the family of
the kidney donor. A life lost! A life saved! What wonderful people they
are, that in the midst of their own grief they can think of saving
another. God Bless them all.
One o’clock this morning Steve was taken to recovery.
The new kidney is functioning, all was working well. I will be visiting
him as soon as they allow me to do so. All of our prayers have been
answered.
God speed your recovery my son! I love you
© 2008 Violet Apted |
