I guess let's go back 7 years. My Uncle Scott had a liver transplant, which saved his life. Things went really well and he had been doing great, with occasional visits to the hospital. Then, a few weeks ago, he got an infection and things started to get worse. (I should also mention that with an organ transplant a 'good' length of time with a new organ is 10 years or so. And, any kind of infection can be very bad news. Even a small one) His numbers (please don't ask me what they were or what they meant) kept getting worse and things weren't getting better. He was losing weight and getting worse instead of better.
On the 4th of July, my mom got a very, very sad phone call. Scott had been given one to two days left to live. His liver and kidneys had stopped functioning and it was just a matter of time before his other organs shut down. At this point, another transplant wasn't even an option. Scott passed away on the evening of the 5th of July, surrounded by his family. Unfortunately, my mom wasn't able to make it in time, though she flew out that morning, hoping to say good bye.
The 5th was a frantic day of packing and planning for me; Jakiah and I flew out the morning of the 6th and, after receiving the sad news that Scott had passed, Nelson and Kalaya followed on the 7th. I wanted to get there as soon as I could to help in any way. My cousin Victoria, Scott's daughter is the closest thing I have to a sister and she asked me to come out.
This was one of those times when nothing else mattered but family. Forget the cost of last minute airfare, the stress of travelling with 2 young children, not sure where we'd be staying or how we'd get around. We knew God would just make sure everything worked out. I'm so glad we went.
The visitation, funeral and burial were beautiful. It was wonderful to see family members and friends who loved Scott. It is so hard to see those he left behind; he was only 49. His parents are both still living and already lost their other son (my Uncle Tom) 13 years ago. His 4 children are 29. 27, 13 and 11. His grandchildren are 3 and twin 3 month olds. His wife of 19 years has a heavy load to carry on her own. My heart goes out to them so, so much. I can't even imagine.
Please consider becoming an organ donor if you haven't already done so. It can prolong the life of someone who might not otherwise have a chance. I'm so grateful for the extra 7 years we all got with Uncle Scott.
Holding one of his grandsons only a couple of months ago; so grateful he got to meet them!
4 comments:
I'm so sorry, Kelly. =( I'm glad you were able to spend time with family. We had a close friend (like a brother) who had a heart transplant at 14 and passed away 9 years later after his body finally rejected the organ. We were so happy we had him for an extra 9 years, but, as you know, it still happened way too early. I'll be praying for his family, and especially his wife.
So heartfelt, Kelly - - the big picture of someone's life is made up of tiny moments and details - captured in the picture of Scott with his grandson - -
I am so glad you were able to be there for your family! I pray that I don't but Because of my polycystic kidney disease I may need a transplant at some point in my life, so I of course am a huge advocate for organ donation!! His life was taken too soon but it is amazing that someone out there allowed him to have 7 extra years because of that liver. Brought tears to my eyes!
I'm so sorry to hear this, Kelly. You are such an amazing, caring person and I'm glad the time with your family was special. I'm praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Hugs, love you.
Post a Comment