Part Forty Nine: Sadness all Around

This weekend turned out to be a pretty emotional one for me, my family, and my friends.

Sunday, I returned home for my Aunt's memorial service. I was able to see many cousins and friends that I haven't seen in years and enjoyed dinner afterward with my parents, my brothers, and their families.

My dad's suit hung on him awkwardly at the memorial service, and the surgical mask he's still required to wear in public added thirty years to his face.

Thankfully, when we returned to the house and he removed his mask, he looked a lot better than he had in a while.

I was glad to see my family and so many who came and offered hugs and praise and congratulations on the success of the kidney transplant. At the same time, it was difficult to be there with my father, knowing I'd given him a new lease on life, while my dear friend Suzi sat at her own father's bedside, waiting for cancer to squeeze his final breath from his body.

Sometimes I feel guilty that I am applauded for doing something that was so incredibly easy to do. There was no decision to make when it came to making my dad better. Sure, I had to face that GoLytely and some minor discomfort. But the worst pain of this whole ordeal comes from knowing that there are so many others out there who would do anything to save their loved ones... and they'll never have the opportunity to do so.

Please give your thoughts and prayers to Suzi and her family in this incredibly difficult time.

Also, keep our friend Elizabeth in mind tomorrow as she and her father get ready for their big kidney day! Elizabeth, You're gonna be fine! Keep us updated on how things went.