Kidneyversary?

That's right, I've made up a word. I've seen it done elsewhere. It actually got someone an A once in college so back off. :) Anyway, I'm temporarily out of my blog hiding hole to pen this thank you note of sorts.

On May 20, 2004 Jeremy Duncan gave me one of his kidneys so that I could be off dialysis and get on with my life and do so healthy. It's been 6 years and I've yet to figure out a proper way to thank him. That's not to say I haven't thanked him. I've done so ad infinitum. But it's still not enough. So I've taken to mentioning his act of heroism and kindness at least once a year on the anniversary of our respective surgeries. I've already mentioned him on Facebook and told friends of today's significance. All that's left to do is to say a little something here so that the entire world can read it.

So thanks again Jeremy. As I wrote on Facebook I hope, one day, someone does something for you that is at least half as nice as what you did for me and I hope that someone is me. Your gift didn't last as long as anyone would have hoped but that doesn't, for an instant, diminish the thoughtful, kind, loving place inside you where the gesture came from. You are a good person, a good friend and a good soul. My friend you have done much more than put a down payment on your spot in Heaven.

Today I am filled with a grateful feeling but also that of remorse. I feel terrible that on this 6th year since the transplant I'm not celebrating a healthy, working kidney. The doctors couldn't give me a reason the kidney ultimately failed so all I can do is bear the responsibility.

Thank you again brother for the gift of time you gave me. 4 good, healthy years I had because of you. Healthier than I'd ever been in my entire life. All the memories, good and bad, that I accrued in that time are all due to you and I'm forever grateful.