Reflections on Today : LIVESTRONG

Today, though indescribable, could, as Ian commented on the last post (who has been through this and Is our inspiration) be best described as a roller coaster; a roller coaster which climbs powerfully and methodically to the top of its peak, postured in its supreme elation, with hair-on-end fear, and a view of auspicious hopes, and then comes to a screeching halt without plummeting over the precipice into sublime adrenaline gluttony. It buries its hopes and visions, of easier breath, breathing with ease, and consequently good health, and goes back to wait for the next chance. A next chance, which will hopefully carry it to meet and conquer its hopes, dreams, and future which were deemed impossible.

Not surprisingly, in a lot of ways the lung transplant feels like that, a rebirth or second chance. There is a feeling of gratitude, of awe, of hope for something better. What a gift is being offered from the family/life of the donor! When the call came today, surprisingly to us, Mitch and I thought so much about the donor, and felt so sad for his life, for his family, for his/their loss. And, in turn, were so grateful, so awestruck, so incredibly optimistic about Mitch's possibility to keep on living. It is a strange philosophical and existential quagmire.

It was just an ordinary turned extraordinary day. Mitch and I were frazzled, stressed! We were shopping with Simon and Matias for a few long hours. Arguing with them, arguing with each other about silly things- which shoes they should get for school, which shirts, etc. We had spent 2 sleepless nights in a hotel room with the kids, after relocating to Chapel Hill on Sunday. We are not moving into the condo we are staying at while we are here until Monday and the boys start kindergarten tomorrow. We were having one of those bouts of hopelessness and anxious hours and then the call came, and everything changed into crystal-clear clarity.

Our perspectives altered immediately.

Our faithful loved ones who had been waiting for these moments, responded. Lyzka, Lois, Billy, and Gayle began to make their ways here as fastly and as furiously as they possibly could. We felt a ripple of love and support from texting and phoning that immediately began. It was an exciting few hours.

And..I/We cannot wait to feel that way, again, Very Soon.