Surrounded by love

I was literally lying in bed, getting some extra sleep just a few minutes ago, and what has been in my heart for weeks propelled me up out of bed to write.

A couple of weeks ago, my granddaughter, DJ, and her mom were at DJ's doctor appointment with Dr. Miloh to discuss DJ's upcoming liver transplant.  After the medical checks etc., Dr. Miloh settled back in his chair and asked if they had any potential living donors for the liver transplant.

My daughter, April, said yes.  April told him that she intended to be the donor because she was the right blood type, and since it was her daughter, there was a very high chance they would be a match.  Dr. Miloh nodded, and then April said, "But that isn't all the list."  April began listing the friends or relatives who had come forward to donate, including her brother,  that were the right blood type and age.  Dr. Miloh's mouth began to drop open.  April then said, "But that is just the list of the people with the right blood type and right age."  Then she began listing the people who came forward who were not the right blood type or had a medical condition which prevented them from donating.  Dr. Miloh's mouth dropped open even more.  April finished by saying, "And here is the list of people who love DJ but who are too old and in too fragile of health to donate - although each of them have repeatedly asked if there was some way around the age limit.  Those include my dad, my mom, my aunt, and my uncle.  My brother is already on the first list with the right blood type, age and health." 

Dr. Miloh was speechless for a moment.  He turned to DJ and said, "DJ, you are a very, very lucky young lady to be loved by so many people who would give so much to you."  D.J. smiled and said, "I know."

Here is the kicker!   After a moment, Dr. Miloh began to tell them how he has had to watch children die because there was no donor for a transplant for them.  He said that some of them actually had relatives who could have donated but who refused.  Then he said, "After this transplant is over, I want you to do a favor for me. "  DJ and April nodded.  He said, "Would you talk the people on your list and ask them to seriously consider donating  to some other child or baby that needs a transplant so they can live too."  Of course, both DJ and April answered that they would.  So I am including myself in that favor and including his request in my blog.

 We will be very lucky and blessed because DJ has so many people to donate to her so she can get well, and graduate, go to college, fall in love and get married.  Some children will not be as lucky.   Powerful, heartbreaking, and though provoking request from Dr. Miloh. 

Thank you for reading my blog.

 "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
Kahlil Gibran