“We had a ‘goodbye kidney’ party. I was okay because I let go, gave it up, and smiled in my heart,” my 24 year-old patient told me after I asked how she felt about her missing kidney. I usually don’t ask questions like that, but Mary had gentleness in her eyes that interested me.
Mary started flying back and forth from Los Angeles to Phoenix, Arizona to care for her older sister, Martha. Diagnosed with kidney failure, Martha a mother of a two-year-old son became short of breath. This led to heart failure and she became incapacitated and was subjected to hemodialysis. Wouldn’t you know that Mary was the perfect match!
Since Martha lived away, the whole family got involved. Grandma sacrificed her savings and lived with Martha. Mom and dad visited lovingly. But it was Mary who placed school on hold, gave up her job, moved to Arizona for a year, and went to hospital lectures learning about kidney donations. It was Mary who brushed her sister’s hair, cared for the baby and loved them with all her heart.
The time came for the kidney transplant. “Love you Mary! Love you Martha! God be with you!” The transplant was successful and all were overjoyed.
A year passed and Martha was doing exceptionally well. Mary moved back to Los Angeles and life seemed normal once again. Martha however began having the same symptoms prior to the transplant. She did not tell anyone at first, but everyone could hear it on the phone. Tests showed that her kidney was failing, and upon further questioning it was found that Martha had stopped taking her life saving medications. “Why? Why? Why?” “Because I didn’t feel like taking them anymore!” Despite heroic attempts to save the kidney, Martha is back on hemodialysis.
We could sit here all day long and accuse Martha, but I’d like to talk about Mary. Out of the goodness of her heart, she gave. Out of the kindness of her soul, she shared. And out of no obligation, she forgave. “But how about your gift,” I asked as I gave her a hug. “That kidney is no longer mine, and despite my shock and pain, I am free because I gave out of love and not out of guilt.” Thank you Mary for teaching us all!
For further information on your cardiovascular health, contact Dr. Kojoglanian at 661-259-1711 and visit www.rockyourplanet.net. The Mender of Hearts is located at 24868 Apple Street, Suite 103 in Santa Clarita.