Still awaiting my PET Test results… In the meantime, I continue to do my dialysis 4 times a day, share my story with new friends I encounter, and experience new adventures.

My second favorite dialysis adventure to date would be last week at the American Royal. I left my bag in my friend’s car until I needed it because it’s too heavy to carry around. My friend’s brothers work security for this event so we had connections. I had the pleasure of being escorted by Kevin on a little go cart about 8:30 pm all the way to my friend’s car. As we get to the gates where the “bouncers” are, Kevin explains that he has to take me all the way to Liberty lot to retrieve my dialysate and bring me back so I can do my dialysis. By the look on the guys face, I am pretty sure he has no clue what I need to do. That’s okay. It helps to be beautiful at times like this because I just give a sweet smile and get a ‘free pass.”

After retrieving my bag, we drive to the Arena building where my friend’s brothers and 2 other friends are waiting. Through our great connections, this brother opened up a door so I can use the bathroom in private. My friend kept me company while I did my exchange and learned about the entire process. Our other friends were getting anxious and decided to abandon us. Whatever! We informed them it would take 20-30 minutes because the solution was cold and I filled up rather slowly so I would not have too much discomfort.

After I finished, my friend and I walked to the gate and asked for another ride out to the car. Little did I know that my friend knew the “bouncer” and again, we scored connections with a ride on a little go cart.

Today, I had the pleasure of making an announcement at a weekly networking event that generally has a few hundred people in attendance, to recruit new potential donors. I lucked out with a captive audience of a couple hundred people that were seated and I had their full attention. Of course, everyone got a huge kick out of The Pee Prayer and will remember to prayer for me while they pee. After sharing my need for donors, I had about 20 or so people eager to get one of my fliers. I am still tickled how strangers are so willing to help out. One gentleman that is unemployed approached me and openly shared his own health problems. He then asked me if I needed money. I replied, “honestly, yes.” He pulled out his wallet and slipped me some cash. A friend of mine nearby witnessed and couldn’t believe what he saw. I was so touched and got a little teary eyed by this man that I don’t even know, and I am uncertain what his financial situation is, very selflessly payed it forward. I said a prayer for him after wards that God would bless him in ways he didn’t expect.

I still wonder why this disease came about in my life as I am asked by new friends I meet. I am also still in grateful appreciation by the inspiration I am able to be to them. I know that their is a specific reason why and through all of this turmoil will come about amazing things. I keep reminding myself and hear my friend Eric’s voice, “it’s just a bump in the road, Ace.”