A few weeks back, I wrote about how a small town came
together to support my nephew with Cystic Fibrosis in his quest for a double
lung transplant. I am happy to say, Kyle
got the call last week and today marks a week since the miraculous surgery
happened. Here is a timeline that I
think is interesting, touching and amazing
Wed, Sep 4
5:29p – Kyle gets the call from the transplant coordinator
telling him that the lungs have been located.
5:50p – My phone rings, it’s my brother, but I was on a work
call, so I ignore the call. (Not Kyle’s
dad, but another brother.)
5:55p – I get a text that says, “Kyle’s lungs are here!!”
9:51p – I meet Kyle’s parents as they stop for fuel in
Fargo. I am met with HUGE hugs and tears
of excitement from both. Send them on
their way knowing surgery was schedule for Sep 5th at 9:00a
Thu, Sep 5
8:43a – Kyle’s Dad texted to say “Just gave him hugs before
going in.” (Insert tears, prayers and
more tears.)
12:10p – Text from Dad saying OR called and surgery going
well and they are prepping for transplant.
2:35p – Text from Dad saying that new lungs are in and
working well. (Insert tears and prayers.)
4:45p – Doc visited Mom and Dad and said surgery went VERY
well. Kyle is in a sedated slumber for the
night and resting well.
Fri, Sep 6
Kyle had a good night under sedation and his first question
via writing to his night nurse, “Did the Packers win?” meant he was totally
aware! The day continues with a lot
going on.
5:53p – We received a video of Kyle taking his first breath
with his new lungs. Yes, a day later,
they removed his intubation and he was breathing on his own! His parents were as excited to see that first
breath as they were when he took his first over 31 years ago.
Sat, Sep 7
Kyle went for a stroll in the ward. Amazing, up and walking less
than 2 days post surgery.
Sep 12
Kyle continues to get stronger every day and while he has
months left for full recovery, he is on his way to more tomorrows
Why do I share all this?
Because miracles happen and I while I wasn’t there physically, I KNOW
that it happened.
Do we think this happened without tragedy? No, and that is both difficult and
inspiring. Someone had to say goodbye so
Kyle could have more tomorrows and we are forever grateful that the person and
their family said yes to being a part of a miracle for our family and countless
others. I will never know anything about
the person or the family, but I pray for them nonetheless.
My message this week; We all want to make a difference in
someone’s life. I ask that each of you
reading, seriously consider becoming a donor and maybe, just maybe, you will
make a difference in someone’s life that you can’t imagine. As Kyle enjoys another tomorrow, with tears
in my eyes and a prayer on my lips, I keep going.
