Marking the 5th anniversary today of my life-saving kidney transplant

I'm feeling incredibly grateful today to have been part of a nine-way kidney transplant five years ago at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

I can't say enough good things about the doctors, nurses, and all who helped me through the entire process.

And I'm forever grateful to my altruistic donor, Robin Gilmartin. She is seated at my right in the photo. 

To my left is Ralph's wonderful sister, Sue Watson, for whom I'm also forever grateful. She got the ball rolling, so to speak, by coming forward to be a donor for me. It turned out her kidney was a better match for the man to her left, Bill Greenwood. 

Please click here to learn more about becoming an organ donor.

Recuperation journey: Celebrations

Tomorrow, May 5, is a day for celebrations.
There's Cinco de Mayo if you like Mexican food and margaritas, the Kentucky Derby if you're into horse racing and mint juleps, and then there's my first kidneyversary.

The actual surgery date is May 9, but there is another very important celebration I'll be attending that day, so tomorrow it is.

A friend who can't attend a small pizza party I've planned to mark the anniversary of my transplant sent me this lovely surprise today. 

I'm feeling blessed.

Recuperation journey: Time for some sun for our son

This morning our son hopped aboard a jet headed for a sunny clime. 

Cameron is going to a tropical resort that sounds delightfully relaxing.

He has been working long hours for months on a software development project and we're glad he can get a much-needed break. 

(Can you tell I'm proud he's a software developer? I have no idea what he does.) 

Even though I don't care for flying, I kinda wish I were going with him! Doing nothing for a few days sounds lovely.

He'll be back in time for a small party I'm throwing myself to celebrate the first anniversary of my kidney transplant. 
My kidneyversary is May 9. 

I decided against getting a kidney-shaped cake like the ones I've seen online. A regular one will do just fine!