Hello friends,
It’s Christmas Eve and I’m really looking forward to it this year. As you recall, 2 years ago I was diagnosed with my illness, then let go of my job- I didn’t really care much for the holiday then. Last year, I was just a couple months into doing dialysis and trying to adjust my life to that and tried to enjoy the holiday as much as I could- still found it difficult. This year, is totally different. I have found that I have been given a second chance of life due to my traumatic transplant ordeal and almost dying from loss of blood. I have recently found true love as well- this definitely adds tremendous joy, happiness, & fulfillment in my life! I cannot begin to express the crazy whirlwind of this amazing relationship! Just a couple of hours ago, I received a delivery from a local florist- a Huge bouquet of roses! Most of them are yellow for friendship (which, at the time of the order of flowers, we were still in that stage); 7 are red as he explained, is God’s perfect number, a few are orange for fiery passion, and 1 single pink one, placed in the center as he is thankful for everything surrounding this pink rose. Wow!

We met a church and he is so incredibly eager to “give me his kidney.” He is so confident that he has my kidney! We both are excited to find out if he is indeed a match & cannot wait to tell the story. Wouldn’t that be phenomenal?! It’s like something you would see in a movie? I will most definitely keep you posted!

So, to give an update on my health- I saw the Dr. last week and she said, and I quote as she’s looking over my labs, “Carmen, I do not see anything of concern, what are you hiding?” I replied, nothing this time. I did last time. I had slacked off on taking my meds after the transplant. I mean, really slacked off. Now, I am back on track, taking my meds and have really good numbers with my lab results! Not to mention, being extremely happy emotionally!

For the most part, the blood pressure’s under control- minus, the excitement lately and a few nights resulting in lack of sleep. I will say without any hesitation, it is well worth it!

I mentioned in my last blog (earlier this week) that I read an article in INK & was awaiting a phone call from the editor. Just yesterday, I heard back from the gal that wrote the article. She was so touched by my voicemail. She has a bundle of the publication copies with the donor story. I will pass them out to everyone. I get to meet her in person next week and I am going to give her a huge hug! I have a feeling, she’s going to want to do a story on me…It’s not about fame, friends. It’s about creating awareness to be an inspiration to others. That’s what this is all about. It’s also about God’s plan for my particular life- using my story (testimony) for His glory. Who knows who’s life will be richly blessed?

Well, that’s about all for now…I am going to take a nap as I did not sleep well due to the excitement of yesterday.

Have a Merry Christmas with your family- cherish the time together!

Thank you again for your prayers & loving support!