“The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is giving your gift away” -David Viscott
October 6, 2017
The story of my 2002 kidney transplant is really more about my cousin and living donor, Fran, than me. She is the Hero of my story. With the purest heart I could ever imagine, she offered me a life altering gift of one of her kidneys. Her extraordinary donation was a profoundly selfless sacrifice that did not just change my health, but changed my spirit, as well as my dreams for a future. After a decade of hemodialysis, Fran gave my life back to me and ignited those dreams. At the time, I didn’t realize her gift was going to connect my medical life with my creative life. Fran’s kidney provided me with a new path and a mission, which was to use my own gifts in life to help honor and celebrate the people who make life saving transplants possible.
Her initial offer of a kidney left me in awe and I took a full year to think about it, giving her the opportunity to change her mind or back out gracefully. Her determination never wavered. She is the one who gave me the strength and courage to accept a gift that, to me, was bigger than the universe. Receiving a kidney transplant is a life experience full of wonder and grace and there is little in life that can compare to it. How can anyone thank another for such an overwhelming gift?
I think of what Fran did for me every single day. I take every opportunity to let her know what a treasure she is in my life. She inspires me with her generosity, goodness and love. Fran discovered the true meaning of life early on and now shares her special gifts with both people and many animals in need. Inspired by Fran, I now create jewelry that expresses my gratitude for her Gift of Life and share that feeling with others around the world who are searching for ways to express their own gratitude. Fran’s gift of a kidney moved me towards the work I was meant to be doing, which in turn, helped me find a special purpose in my life. It was a gift of many layers.
So thank you, dear Fran. You are my angel and my Hero. You are also the inspiration for countless Gifts of Gratitude that travel to kidney recipients and donors around the globe. That gratitude is growing roots everywhere it goes. I hope the gifts I create bring contemplation and meaning to those who receive the Gift of Life. Your gift has meant the world to my life and while your kidney has been a big part of me, the place you forever hold in my heart is so much bigger!
What a wonderful story of love and gratitude.
Heartening and Thank You .