recycled parts

Today is Tuesday the 9th day anl (after new liver). It was our first clinic - follow up appointments with the doctor, pharmacist, nutritionist, and research group. We also had our first support group. We had to be up early and get the blood draw at 7 so some of the results could be back for the doctors. Tim got good reports from all, we saw our surgeon again, he was pretty proud of his work. All of the drainage bags are gone now. We still have to dress Tims inscision and the areas where the drainage tubes were. We got another weeks worth of medicine - actually a month for some and a week for others. Currently Tim takes 48 pills. We were done by 10:30 and we were both exhausted. We got home, had lunch, and took a nap. Then I was off to the pharmacy to get the medications. Two hours later I returned home with a big bag of pills. I held them up to Tim and told him for christmas and anniversary I was buying him a new liver. We both laughed, but in reality it is expensive. I wonder what happens to the people who have no insurance, no savings, no leave. It is not a positive alternative.
There are some groups that are doing their part to help. One is the Transplant house. This is the group we got our apartment through. They fundraise and lease apartments that would work for transplant patients. No stairs, quiet close location, near shopping and the hospital. They furnish it, stock it with cleaning supplies, and the special needs of recovering paitents. Even hand sanitizer and wipes in the different room. They have internet, TV, phone. You really just need your clothes and to buy the parashible foods. They also help people who really have no resources.

About the RECYCLED PARTS
This really does tie together, because we went to the liver transplant support group at 4 tonight.
Many in the support group are on the board for the transplant house. They have these buttons they sell, (donation) "I Contain Recycled Parts". When I saw that I knew I wanted it to be my heading for this blog. They talk about the value of writing to the donors family, and the need to respect their privacy. Each family finds closure in differnt ways, but the lives of the transplant patients are forever changed. We have met three lung transpant families, two young adults that struggled with cystic fibrosis for years and now have a chance. They both said that it is amazing to breath without struggling. The father of one said he still, at night, wakes up to go and listen to his daughter take a breath. I found myself doing that last night, awake, counting Tim's breaths and saying a thank you for each one. I asked for comfort for the donors family, and thanked them again and again. So yes Tim is made from recycled parts, precious, dear, living parts, given by the donor and their family, to other people, not based on their faith, color, gender or opinions. It really is amazing. So as you listen to the breath of the ones you love, be thankful that you have them.

I will remind myself of that the next time Tim annoys me - that will most likely be tomorrow morning.