Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Time Flies

It seems like more than a year ago that the transplant happened. One year ago Neal and I and Ryan and Leslie had so many emotions running through us. Neal and I could barely sleep due to anticipation, fear and thoughts of a new life, a second chance you would say. The days leading up to the transplant, Neal was cleaning things around our house that had never been cleaned! I guess we were just trying to find a way to pass the time more quickly. I was more anxious for Ryan and Leslie, because this was all new to them. Neal and I were veterans of being in the hospital and having surgeries, nor did we really have a choice on this surgery. We did not want to continue the dialysis route, it was too brutal. Ryan and Leslie were voluntarily getting into this. I am sure Ryan and Leslie had their own list of emotions! Neal always told me (and I never believed it) that being nice to people would pay back someday. I have to admit he was right in a bigger way than I could have imagined. Thursday we are headed out to a nice dinner with Ryan and Leslie to celebrate the one year anniversary of the transplantation of 'Lil Ryan. This will be a tradition we will carry on for many years.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the anniversary! It's really remarkable to see all you've come through. You all are inspirations. What a year it's been for Neal. From the saddest moments to some of the happiest to come, we wish you the best.

The Luskers

Anonymous said...

We're so happy to see both of you, Neal & Michele, doing so well. It was hard for us to see you suffer and it was hard to have Ryan give his kidney at first. But we are so happy that he did that because it made all of our lives better and your friendship with Ryan & Leslie so special. We will always remember this anniversary for the rest of our lives.
Love
Patty & Ed

Anonymous said...

One year ago today everything changed. Thank you very much Ryan, Leslie, Ed, Patty, Harry and Kathy for the gift of life you gave to Neal and Michele. We look forward to many years of happy memories with our extended families.

Neal and Michele, you are two very special people and we love you very much.

Enjoy your dinner tonight!

Love, Mom & Mike