Minnie Mom Is On Her Way.........

So, when a person goes through a liver transplant, the emotional rollercoaster for them, as well as family and friends, is a difficult path to go down. There were a few issues that my family had to deal with. One of them you already know; back problems. Other issues did not involve physical pain but emotional pain. The pain of watching a loved one go through such a process, the complications of not knowing what is wrong, the challenge of taking care of someone unable to move or walk, and the frustration of it all combined can leave one exhausted and completely drained. There was a lot of frustration in the Mickey and Minnie household. There is absolutely no way that any of us can possibly imagine the pain and suffering that both my mom and dad went through unless you have been there yourself. I cannot put into words anything that describes this challenge. I keep saying challenge because that's what it was; a challenge, not a problem or a an ordeal but a challenge that has hopefully passed its rough road.

Mom called me today. You know what? I have not posted much about this "challenge" but believe me; I will be from now on because there is a lot to learn from this. (A note to Layla [my biological mother] please do not feel neglected. There will be plenty written about everyone.) Anyway, as I was saying (typing) Mom called me today. And let me start off by telling you that every time I talk to her, she sounds better and a lot more energetic. Of course she does, she f@#%ing drove for cryin' out loud! Amazing. The tone of her call was nothing short of the same sounds of life from a year ago; just different content. Word is, Minnie has passed the phase of liver rejection. Now, let me explain a little about liver rejection. It is natural. My first reaction was "Uh-oh, (heart thumping) this is not happening." Dad said three months ago, it is natural. If you think about it, it makes sense. Here is a strange liver from someone else's body that has been planted into your own. Of course your body is going to say "Hey! What is this?! This ain't mine! Get it outta here!!!!" However, the body soon realizes that it needs it and starts to accept it with treatment. Mom spent two weeks in the hospital for anti-rejection treatment and was released Thanksgiving Day. She was originally suppose to spend only seven (?) but stayed longer because the doctors said that nothing was happening. Well, could it be perhaps because her body wasn't rejecting the liver? After all, mom did say that she felt no different the day she went in, from the day she left. I have speculation on my part about the rejection so this leads me to other questions that I'll have to remember to ask mom. So, the good news is, recovery WILL be all fine and dandy from here on out. There is another challenge however, but I think mom will be better off once it is over. Back surgery. Yes you read that right, back surgery. Liver transplant, six months later, back surgery. That's a lot to handle within six months. This to me shows a lot of strength, courage and will power. I am amazed with this woman and how she has pulled herself through this and never gave up hope. I know she felt at times that she wanted to give up but she didn't.

There is still one more thing. We will always be grateful to that special individual and family for the donation they made. Saving a life is by far the ultimate gift anyone could give. Because of your thoughtful and caring spirit, you live on within my mom, as well as in me, because I have now become a donor, whereas before, I wasn't. So, thank you. Thank you with every inch of our hearts.