Big Love
It's a new year. I find that as Andy and I get older, we think more about goals. This year we have decided we want to LOVE more. We want to smile more, bless others more. We want to stop arguing so much with our children and show them what kindness, gentleness, and patience looks like. Quite frankly, thats the BIG one for me; patience with my children. It is a daily process and I fail often. I am flawed, in case you weren't aware.
To show love to another is to sacrifice yourself. This seems to be a concept that is lost on our society and culture. In a world where its "ALL ABOUT ME" what I am going to say next might be a hard thing to grasp.
In about a month and a half, Andy will be sacrificing one of his kidneys; a way that he will show Big Love. He is in impeccable health and is a perfect match for a gentleman in desperate need.
How did this all come about?
Several months ago, Andy saw a Facebook post from an old friend reaching out for help. His post was asking for anyone who might be willing to donate a kidney to his father. That all they need to do to start the process was to take a blood test to see if there was a potential match
Andy knew that he had the blood type needed. He sent a message to his friend about what needed to be done and who he needed to contact. Andy went in and got tested.
Test 1: Blood Type Match ✅
Test 2: Blood Protein Match ✅
Test 3: Full Physical and Mental Health Test to confirm a donor match.✅
As of January 6, 2017 Andy completed all testing required for live organ donors. Doctors found him to be in "fabulous" and "fantastic" health... really, those were their words.
We will travel to Bismarck, ND for surgery. Surgery will last about three hours. Andy will have about four days of recovery in the hospital and then it will take four to six weeks to be fully recovered. During surgery week we plan to take the boys out of school so that we can keep our family together during this time.
Something that has been playing over and over again in my mind:
Andy is giving a friend a chance to have more time with his father.
What a gift it would have been to have spent just a little more time with his dad had the opportunity been there.
Andy is that opportunity for another family.
"But Danielle.... what if?
I feel like I have thought about ALL the what ifs.... But if we spend our entire lives focusing on a What IF, then what kind of life would that be? I'm certain I would never leave my house. Don't get me wrong though, I know that I will still be a bundle of nerves come surgery time. I'm human.
Post surgery, not much will have to change for Andy. Doctors stated multiple times to "keep doing whatever you're doing; you are a very healthy person" We eat healthy. We Thrive. We Exercise. Andy is set. My biggest concern is he won't be still long enough to let himself recover.
I know that God has called us to great purpose. I know that God has called us to love deeply. I know that when we ask God to do something audacious in our lives, He looks at us and ask us if we are ready.
We are ready. We are ready to love more deeply, however it may look. In February, it will look like a kidney.
To show love to another is to sacrifice yourself. This seems to be a concept that is lost on our society and culture. In a world where its "ALL ABOUT ME" what I am going to say next might be a hard thing to grasp.
In about a month and a half, Andy will be sacrificing one of his kidneys; a way that he will show Big Love. He is in impeccable health and is a perfect match for a gentleman in desperate need.
How did this all come about?
Several months ago, Andy saw a Facebook post from an old friend reaching out for help. His post was asking for anyone who might be willing to donate a kidney to his father. That all they need to do to start the process was to take a blood test to see if there was a potential match
Andy knew that he had the blood type needed. He sent a message to his friend about what needed to be done and who he needed to contact. Andy went in and got tested.
Test 1: Blood Type Match ✅
Test 2: Blood Protein Match ✅
Test 3: Full Physical and Mental Health Test to confirm a donor match.✅
As of January 6, 2017 Andy completed all testing required for live organ donors. Doctors found him to be in "fabulous" and "fantastic" health... really, those were their words.
We will travel to Bismarck, ND for surgery. Surgery will last about three hours. Andy will have about four days of recovery in the hospital and then it will take four to six weeks to be fully recovered. During surgery week we plan to take the boys out of school so that we can keep our family together during this time.
Something that has been playing over and over again in my mind:
Andy is giving a friend a chance to have more time with his father.
What a gift it would have been to have spent just a little more time with his dad had the opportunity been there.
Andy is that opportunity for another family.
"But Danielle.... what if?
I feel like I have thought about ALL the what ifs.... But if we spend our entire lives focusing on a What IF, then what kind of life would that be? I'm certain I would never leave my house. Don't get me wrong though, I know that I will still be a bundle of nerves come surgery time. I'm human.
Post surgery, not much will have to change for Andy. Doctors stated multiple times to "keep doing whatever you're doing; you are a very healthy person" We eat healthy. We Thrive. We Exercise. Andy is set. My biggest concern is he won't be still long enough to let himself recover.
I know that God has called us to great purpose. I know that God has called us to love deeply. I know that when we ask God to do something audacious in our lives, He looks at us and ask us if we are ready.
We are ready. We are ready to love more deeply, however it may look. In February, it will look like a kidney.
Andy & Danielle, what a precious gift of life you are giving to my best friend for the past 40+ years. I cannot thank you enough to be giving him this opportunity. I know how hard dialysis has been on him the last few years. We are grateful for what you are doing, then entire family is grateful. Words do not do justice to your for your gift.
ReplyDeleteI second what Danny said. Growing up Dan, Alan and I were like the three musketeers and to read this news this morning means that we have a forth and new musketeer to add to the family. We are thankful for the limitless gift you are giving Alan. Thank you and much love from my family to yours.
ReplyDeleteAs tears flow as read about this amazing gift for life. Andy as I know him is a very genuine man, and this does not surprise me really. Andy, Danielle, the father who is receiving this gift, all family and friends I know there will be many prayers for everyone during this time and,always. A new life, a new journey, with God's amazing Grace touching each of you with his love. Hugs to everyone.
ReplyDeleteIt's given me great pleasures to be part of John and find that he has introduced me to his friends and being part of knowing you Alan. My heart goes out to all that has gone through a lot of patience and being there during this time for Alan. He's always been a nice and pleasant guy! Thank you and prayers go out to ea and everyone esp Alan and Julie
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