A Day for Miracles

One thing I have learned in the past year is how many special and thoughtful people are in my life. I was lucky enough last March to enjoy a peaceful weekend at my friend's cabin. It was just the girls. We packed our bags, our crafts and headed up there determined to get some girl/craft time in. Little did I know this would be a much needed break, stress reliever. We had a great time talking, enjoying each others company, getting projects done, (they helped me make about 120 turtles for Alex's birthday invitations), and watching some movies. I arrived back home in the late afternoon on Sunday. 

My parents came over shortly after I got back and had some news for us. My dad had gone to the Mayo Clinic the previous week for his check-up and to get a new timeline for what needs to happen. I wasn't prepared for the next words out of their mouths. My dad told me that the Doctor had told him he didn't have long left. It could be weeks or a few months, but they were doing all they could do for him right now, and they thought that he wouldn't be sick enough to get a liver off the transplant list.

The news hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember thinking I shouldn't cry in front of my Dad because he needs strong people around him who will help lift him up and pull him through. I remember my Dad saying he wasn't going to give up, he wanted to live. And, I remember a ton of thoughts, pictures, memories going through my mind. I couldn't lose him yet. I wouldn't lose him yet. My kids are young, I want them to remember their Grandpa Johnson. I tried not to let my brain go to the "what if's" or the "if only's" of the past. That doesn't do anyone any good. I cried. He has changed, he's doing everything right, he's strong, he wants this...why is this happening? We went out to dinner that night with my parents and I remember coming home and crying. Trying not to think about everything all at one, trying to sleep, trying to think positive/happy thoughts. I didn't sleep much. 

The next day, my mom and I drove separately to school because I was supposed to tutor. I was extremely crabby, sad, mad, etc... I remember not wanting to talk to anyone, trying to focus on school, trying to not think about everything all at once. I was about to go into my first hour classroom when my mom got a call at school. We shared an office at the time, so I was in there with her. I remember her face, her expression, her tears. I remember thinking something bad happened...already. It was just yesterday, I can't process this fast. I remember when she got off the phone and said, "THEY HAVE A LIVER FOR DAD!" The doctor had called my dad that morning to tell him there was a liver they thought would be a match for my dad. My dad had been in the shower when they called his cell phone. He didn't hear it. Then the he couldn't get to the phone. He finally got to the phone and he told me he thought he was still sleeping, dreaming. 

Everyone at school was happy for my Dad, my Mom, our family. My principal even waited on hold for a while when my husband was on the phone with me! We immediately got the "okay" to leave, and drove on icy roads all the way home. My mom and Dad picked me up and we headed down to Rochester. We saw many accidents, cars in the ditches on the way there. My mom wasn't slowing down, my dad was riding passenger, and I was in the backseat reading off the directions of "what to do now, where to go, who to call, etc...". My mom and I were very excited, my Dad was nervous. He kept saying, "Let's just wait until we get there, it's not for sure yet". I know this was his way of protecting himself, not getting his hopes up too much. 

We arrived mid-morning at the hospital, got my Dad checked-in and my brother's arrived. Doctors were coming and going all day long with tests and questions. My Mom was so prepared with her thick binder full of previous reports, information about liver transplant, phone numbers, names, etc... 

We laughed and talked during the day - the five of us. The staff of doctors, nurses, specialists, etc... at Mayo Clinic were awesome. My Dad was sure lucky! In talking with my Dad's doctor they were completely surprised that this was happening, too. It had not even been a week ago that they had told my Dad he probably wouldn't get a liver. But, this liver came in from someone who had passed. They went to the transplant list and went down it matching all the criteria (blood type, body fat, age, etc...) and my Dad was the first one eligible for this liver. I am humbled.

 

Before my Dad left for surgery, the one of the clergymen came and said a prayer with our family. As the two doctors wheeled my dad's bed off into surgery I felt excitement at the possibilities and sadness at the other possibilities. I didn't try to go there too much. Positive thoughts only. The doctor's started surgery around 8 pm and were in surgery well into the night. I went home that night to be with my boys and Andy. I went back the next day. He was transferred out of the ICU to the normal transplant recovery unit and seemed to be in and out of varied measurements of pain. He was so positive and it was easy to follow his lead. 

After being discharged about a week later, my parents stayed down in Rochester for about a month. They were in a hotel room and had numerous appointments. Colleagues of ours put money in to purchase gift cards for restaurants, gas, groceries, etc., friends and family came to make visits and drop off things to do for entertainment, or food. My parents, and our family, were fortunate to have so many people in our corner saying prayers, and showing the good will of people. Again, I was humbled.

I thank God every single day for this miracle in our lives. Because of this "perfect storm" of the liver, and people in our lives from the friends, family, doctors, nurses, and so many others, our lives will be full and happy because we get this second chance with my Dad. He can be the Dad, Husband, Grandfather, Friend for all of us that he was meant to be. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you!

**My Dad is doing so well now, six months after the transplant. He has been able to work with my brother, Luke. He is continuing on his road of sobriety. He is an excellent Grandpa; coming to watch baseball games, soccer, getting Alex on the bus, chasing frogs with Aiden, and so much more! He and my mom are enjoying her retirement and their new life together. Thank you for all the support!**