Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thankful Thursday! I'm Thankful for the Transplant Clinic!

 

I'm sitting in the transplant clinic waiting to be seen by my wonderful transplant team members.   They are such a great group of people.  So very caring, helpful, and they take great care of me!  They are always kind and cheerful, even when they've been up all weekend with other transplant emergencies. I know them on a first name basis and can't wait to share pictures of my kids when I come back for visits.  It really almost feels like an extended family.  I'm 5 1/2 months post transplant and feeling so good these days!  I'm looking forward to a good update today!


I'm also thankful that they have wireless internet access so I can blog while I wait!  Such a wonderful thing to keep me occupied when the wait gets long, which it often does.  They don't just treat healthy post-transplant people, they also treat very sick people who are waiting for their transplant, and people whose own transplant just didn't go so well.  So they've got their hands full and there is no sense getting upset when they can't get me in on time.  If I were in the other patients' shoes I wouldn't want them to be rushed while seeing me.  So it keeps me happy to type and they can take as long as they need.

 I am thankful for other transplant patients.  I have found that other transplant recipients love to share their story with each other. . . people who will understand and have gone through it themselves. I know that I do.  Today in the waiting room I met another nice young lady (younger than myself) who received a liver transplant 2 years ago.  It is always encouraging to see people who are further out from their surgery and are very healthy and happy.  Anyway, we got to chatting and discovered that we both had experienced liver failure from the same genetic disease, Wilson's disease.  We were so excited! LOL!  A strange thing to be excited about, but it's a rare disease so it isn't every day that you meet someone from another family who has gone through the same thing.  She also has a younger sister with the disease (I have 2 older brothers with the disease).  I gave her my blog address.  I'd love for her family to get in contact with my family.  They could be a big support to each other I think.   After all, I'm sure her mom and my mom have a lot of the same worries and concerns.

I am again thankful for the gift of life!  I got the chance to celebrate Kyle's 4th birthday this week!  I love my children and am so grateful for these opportunities that were almost lost. 

And though I am thankful for all these earthly things, I am most thankful for my God, the maker of heaven and earth, who graciously spared my life and gives me hope no matter the circumstances I may face!

10 comments:

Debbie said...

What a wonderfully encouraging post this was. I LOVE it when God arranges a "devine encounter" like He did for you this morning. Some might believe it was chance you met this woman this morning, but we know better. Our God loves us so much that He caused your paths to cross, maybe just so He can show you He loves and cares for you. I am so happy everything has gone so well with you and your transplant. What a miraculous thing to have been blessed with. Thank you so much for posting this, it hss REALLY blessed me. Have a great day. Blessings to you, Debbie

Rose Casell said...

I'm thankful you are with us! I saw you in choir Sunday and remember those sleepless night, pleading with God to let you stay on earth as a wife and Mama, and I thanked Him all over again for your life!

Mary said...

What a great inspiration you are, Melissa. I do hope the young lady contacts you so that the families can support each other.

Wishing you a great day.
Blessings,
Mary

Hazel said...

I too am grateful for your transplant team! They are worth their weight in gold! They have walked very closely with us the past 5 1/2 months.
I/ we as a family are changed forever because of the power of God that we experienced during your ordeal. We witnessed His comfort, peace, supply and perfect timing every day throughout your ordeal. Not only that but we saw an outpouring of love from the body of Christ. So many needs were met by many kind people.
I hope you will continue to write and tell your story so that others will know that nothing is too hard for God and that He is good!

tracy said...

Oh Melissa
Praise,Praise be to our God!Your transplant was a success,and the lord had you meet up with some one else in your circumstances...I know how important that this can be.
Blessings
Gracie

Karen said...

Great list of blessings...and your testimony blesses me!

Denise said...

God sweetly bless you precious one.

i said...

You have such a thankful heart, Melissa! I've never enjoyed going to the hospital or doc's visit but somehow you've made it sound so fun LOL, especially the interacting part. Hope the young girl gets in touch with you and your family. It would be so comforting to be able to relate and share. God bless you!

Unknown said...

Oh Melissa,

I am utterly humbled to read these words. To feel the joy you have. I wept when I read this: am again thankful for the gift of life!

Oh Girl, if I ever complain or whine, I need to come back here for a read.

Thank you... Thank you... THANK YOU..

Praise Jesus... I love you. Lynn

Unknown said...

I have a good friend who had a kidney transplant 15 years ago. I remember when we celebrated his 1st kidney-versary - so exciting because that kidney saved his life. And you know what that's like. Now it's been 15 years. God has been good to my friend and I know He will continue to be good to you too!