Yvonne’s Challenge

Beth and I have had a number of requests about when “the story” by ABC 13 Medical Reporter Christi Myers would actually be posted.  It aired last night on the local Houston ABC station here in Houston – Channel 13 – so if you’re out of town you won’t find it on your local ABC affiliate.   Here is the link:  http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/channel?section=news/health&id=5755223

You’ll see a number of stories, and this one is currently the first.  But if you can’t find it immediately – Christi is a prolific reporter – then look for “Ultimate Gift” as you scroll through the list. 

Christi told us today that it got the highest ranking on last night’s news, which is wonderful.  Beth and I agreed to work with Christi with the hope that others may be willing to donate a kidney.  We are so thrilled that it was widely viewed. 

As you know, we believe that our precious friend Beverly Baker, who died in January, made her mark from heaven by putting us together at her funeral.  As I’ve written before, I believe there are no accidents in life and certainly this is evidence yet again that the universe provides.  Bev was with us.  Her business partner, Joe Tondu, wrote me a note that was so poignant:  “One last act of kindness … it absolutely fills my heart with joy to know that you have a future.”  Sandy Huntsinger, Bev’s sister, called both Beth and me today to say the Baker family was happy that Bev played such a big role in our story.  How happy we were to get Sandy’s call … and how tender of her to reach out. 

When I hear from friends, they always ask about Beth, so let me say that she’s doing incredibly well.  In fact, she and David just returned from a fabulous trip in the Bahamas where they swam with the dolphins, something she’s always dreamed of doing.  They had a ball … and what a great get-away for the two of them.  

I had another great report from the hospital today … my numbers are fabulous, and I’m now down to 10mg of prednisone which is wonderful.  As most who know me can attest, I really didn’t need anything to give me more energy or make me more hyper.  So the prednisone made me a tad ridiculous.  Once I get to 5mg, I’m going to start lobbying for some more reductions.  Fingers crossed!

Tonight, this is where we sign-off.  Mission accomplished.  I plan to keep the blog up as a reference site for anyone who faces their own transplant challenge or other difficult health issue.  And I assure you I will return to it from time to time simply to remember the lessons I’ve experienced:   The kindness of strangers, the overwhelming gratitude, the importance of community, remembering goodness from so many, the experience of two Good Fridays this Easter season … the “Gang of Five” who made personal sacrifices to be here … seeing Buddy Donaldson and David Looney together, sharing stories and humor. 

And I want to make one final public tribute to Beth Looney, the angel, the brave woman, the great mom and wonderful wife who did provide the “Ultimate Gift.”   I love you, Sista Girl!

Little miracles – and often really big ones – happen every day.  We’re evidence of that one for sure.  Thanks to all of you who have created your own miracles for Beth and me.  The love that has surrounded us has been an incredible part of the healing process, and we thank you.  We both agree that the experience has left an indelible mark in our hearts, and we are forever changed. 

Love to all of you … we keep you in our hearts.

Beth and Yvonne

It’s hard to imagine that it was two months last week that Beth and I were at St. Luke’s together.  In a word, all is great with both of us.  Beth and I had lunch on Saturday, which was wonderful.  It’s such a treat for the two of us to get together … the conversations are always amazing … and surely we’ve known each other in another life.  It’s so fun and easy to be together.  I got to spend a little time with David Looney, who really is an amazing guy, as well as Shannon and Pete who are terrific.   Beth and David have done an amazing job with their kids — they’re great conversationalists and are engaging.  

Beth’s feeling great and says she feels like she’s ”normal” again.  She’s moving about well, and if I didn’t know what I know, all looks like well.

I’m happy to report the same.  I’ve started some limited workouts — like the last two weeks I’ve been able to do an hour of cardio two days a week on the elliptical.  It feels great to sweat again!  My numbers are great, and I’m down to 12.5mg of prednisone.  I’d like to do some more tapering, so maybe this will be my lucky week.  I’ve graduated to hospital days every other week which is an improvement too, though Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. for blood work are still part of the schedule.  As I say, it’s a small price to pay. 

Several people have asked, so I want to be certain you all know that Christi Myers’ story about Beth, Beverly and me will be on the 10:00 p.m. news this Sunday, May 18.  She expects the story will be posted the next day at www.abc13.com, though it will not be up long.  The station apparently doesn’t archive docs for long unless it’s hard news.  The story is titled “The Ultimate Gift,” so if you’re around on Sunday night and are so inclined, tune into Channel 13 here in Houston.   

I had a long chat yesterday with a friend about the experience of being the recipient of Beth’s kidney.  To this day, it’s still an overwhelming thought that she made the decision to donate her kidney, with David’s complete support.  It’s hard to imagine that it happened … and on another hand it’s as though it couldn’t have.  I know I will always remember the miracle of this experience and the profound depth of Beth’s decision — her ultimate gift to me.   

To each of you, I also offer my thanks.  Your thoughts, your prayers, your notes, your cards … what a lucky soul I am.

Love, Yvonne

There are certain dates — whether they’re actual days or particular years — that have left indelible marks and make me stop to reflect.  In every case, they represent significant moments in my life.  While some are outrageously happy, some are sad and others represent great lessons in patience, endurance or humility.  Even those that make me ouch have offered lessons.  What I know is that if they hadn’t happened, this wouldn’t be my life, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today.  Every single incident made me stronger, more loving and compassionate, more resolute and hopefully — in some way, shape or form — perhaps a smarter, better human.

March 7, 2008 — exactly six weeks ago today when Beth Looney donated her kidney to me — will forever be one of those monumental dates.  You’ve read in every blog post how thankful and humbled I am by her generosity and the support of her wonderful husband David, and incredible children Shannon and Pete.  

Another important date – January 7, 2008 — was the funeral of our dear friend Beverly Baker.  Through our mutual friendship with Bev, we connected there.  We both know she is smiling down from heaven.  In exactly those two months — practically warp speed when it comes to transplants – our worlds changed.  Bev was a woman of action; someone who made things happen, and happen fast.  Her fingerprints are all over this miracle.

We’ve both received so many notes about how our experience has touched people’s lives.  In Beth’s last post, she reflected on how her life has been changed on multiple fronts.  I feel precisely the same.  Neither of us ever imagined that this scenario would ever cause so many people to reach out, and yet it did.  I’ve even heard from so many that they sent blog posts along to their friends who were facing challenging circumstances and wanted to offer hope.  Simply amazing.

By the way, Beth and I were at the hospital on Monday, and we had a chance to visit.  She’s been released and doesn’t need to return for two years.  Oh happy day!  When we spoke again today, and she tells me she feels ”great.”  Mission accomplished, an amazing six weeks to the day after surgery.

I too feel grand after these six amazing weeks.  Prednisone is down to 15mg, and after this next hospital visit  I’ll be on an every-two-weeks schedule.  And I’ve been released to go back to work on Monday.  I am excited!  I can hardly wait to present my “you’re released” slip. 

I want to take a moment to thank the “gang of four” who were actually the “gang of five.”  I hold Connee, Olive, June, Debbie and Susie directly responsible for my recovery.  These five fabulous women were with me — literally — every step of the way, making sure I was cared for like a queen.  Even better, we got to spend wonderful quality time together which is a gift in and of itself.  It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine, and with each one we had heavy doses.  So, dear ones, thanks for all you’ve done and continue to be in my life.  You are such precious friends.

And also a special note to Ali and Mike who have made this blog such an incredible communications vehicle.  They both worked tirelessly to design the site and make it work.  These two nightowls were  troubleshooting practically around the clock. 

I want to acknowledge again your cards, e-mails and calls.  Every single person has offered words of hope, encouragement, humor, love and support.  I have more than 1000 emails, and there have been more than 5300 hits to our blog in these six amazing weeks.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!   

While recovery is really a full year, I do believe my journey will be shorter.  I’m healthy, humbled, grateful and forever changed after six amazing weeks.  I wouldn’t change one thing about this experience.  And January 7, March 7 and 2008 are dates that are added to ”the list.”  Every single day has been a lesson in love from an incredible community of friends and shared acquaintances.  I have always believed that love and kindness are far more pervasive than we acknowledge, but I was never prepared for this outpouring.  Miracles occurred and lessons were learned, once again, in these six amazing weeks.

Love, Yvonne

Yvonne asked me a couple of weeks ago if I would like to write a blog, and I politely declined.  She is so eloquent with the written word, and the intimidation factor was too high!  However, the time has come for me to write because there are simply too many people who have touched my life through this whole process that I will never be able to properly thank.  The love, kindness and generosity shown to me and my family have been overwhelming.  Yvonne’s team not only served her, but they flew into action to serve me as well.  People I’d known but a few hours were suddenly lifelong friends, exhibiting true kindness and selfessness.

My dear, sweet David has been incredible through this journey, taking care of me, the kids, managing major projects at work, and all the while so strong, patient and loving.  My family, friends, church, bible study group, and The Kindaid School have all provided meals, help with Shannon and Pete, and most importantly prayer. 

I knew that donating my kidney could change Yvonne’s life, but I never knew how much it would change mine.  Seeing Yvonne respond so quickly and have her health restored is nothing short of a miracle!  God took care of every detail from start to finish, not that I doubted that He would or could, I just hadn’t grasped the magnitude.  He did more than I had asked for, and I’m embarrassed, awed and grateful.

Our surgery was five weeks ago today, and the time has come for me to say adios and get back to my life, however simple and boring it may seem (especially to my two teenagers.)  Our story has been told, and Channel 13 will be airing it sometime in the not-too-distant future.  My hope is that others will be touched and motivated to be organ donors.

Life is so precious — I have new family, new friends and a forever life bond with my sweet “sista” Yvonne.  I would do it again tomorrow, and I’m forever thankful that I had this incredible opportunity.

God is good — all the time!

Love, Beth

Mondays are hospital days, so that’s when I get the latest readings.  In a word, everything is great again this week.  I feel terrific, and all the numbers evidence how I feel.  AND, no more masks … freedom from the face accessory that’s been a constant companion.  I’m not complaining since I understand why they’re important.  But how nice not to be saddled with it.  I should be doing back flips with my friend Jackie. 

This week, my doc says that after next Monday I’ll be able to start coming every other week.  Great news!  On my first day back to work I won’t have to leave for a mid-day medical center visit.  So let’s hear it for April 21, friends … just six weeks and three days after surgery, I’ll be going back to work … but who’s counting?  (Note to friends at The Planet:  Y-gonne is coming B-A-C-K and will be ready to rock ‘n roll!)

I’ve worked out a schedule with the hospital that’s manageable.  Typically patients show up on Mondays at 8:00 a.m. for blood work, then wait around until 1:00 when they start seeing patients.  Hmmm … waiting around for 4-5 hours didn’t quite work for me.  They’ve accommodated my request so that I do blood work on Sundays at 6:30 a.m. and then go for a standing noon appointment on Mondays which is far better.  It’s outside the bounds of how things are done normally — remember that normal is a setting on a washing machine — and I appreciate their working with me to make it a manageable schedule.   

Beth is doing really well … we had a nice chat yesterday.  She’s amazing … last week I got a note from her, and by 10:00 a.m. she had been to Home Depot to get staples, and had gone back again to get the right ones since they’d sold her the wrong size.  (I sense a little attitude which is always healthy!)  AND by that hour, she already had recovered all her dining room chairs.  I think she stole some of my prednisone.  

She says the pain is better as long as she doesn’t overdo it.  I think we may have known each other in another life since she doesn’t understand what “overdo it” means.  My friend Susan Holton on more than a couple of occasions has said that I have two speeds — 0 and 100.  I think Beth is the same.  You go, Sista Girl!

I will be excited when I can workout again.  I can start cardio the week I return to work, but no weights until I hit three months.  With the prednisone, I don’t sleep much — I seem to wake up about 2:00 and then again at 4:15 — so I think the cardio will help.  BTW — television at that hour is pretty awful. 

Lei Lei is finally sleeping through the night.  When I go to bed, I have to be careful not to peak and see if she’s in her chair … any glimpse of possibility makes her think it may be the lucky night when she can hop into “her” real bed.  The minute the lights are on in the morning, she leaps from her chair to get a little hug.    Poor little darling … and Shaddie is so sweet and content to be in the same room with never a complaint.  As our dog walker, Scott, says, Lei Lei is definitely a diva.  I place no blame on her, I assure you.  I’m the culprit who’s given her the freedom to be a diva.  As our friend Chris Gardner says, they won the lottery when they came to “our” house. 

Tomorrow Christi Myers, ABC 13’s medical reporter, will shoot the third segment of the story with Beth and me.  This of course will be cut into a single short spot that I think it will run in May.  Remember, it’s TV.  Several people have asked … I’ll let you know when it’s scheduled to air.

I’m acutely aware of kidney tranplants, but suddenly there seems to a lot of interest in the media.  Both Beth and I have noticed the amount of coverage on TV and the newspapers.  Perhaps it’s because we’ve been home and watching more TV … I’m not certain.  My friend Becky Griffith (aka, Boo), who was my roommate at Sullins, called yesterday morning to tell me about a story on Good Morning America that showed four people who were having transplants.  It’s an amazing story:  http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4610099 

They needed kidneys, and family members didn’t match.  Through a shared donation program, the family members were paired with four who did.  I so understand the emotions they each feel.  I will never lose the overwhelming generosity and emotion of Beth’s gift.  

So that’s the latest and greatest from Club 5551.  Life is good … and I’m almost ready for prime time.  Oh what a feeling!

Love, Yvonne

How happy I am to tell you that Beth is doing really well!  That’s the best news I could possibly report.  She’s up and around, moving better, and even walking three miles in her neighborhood with David.  Beth says she gets an occasional ouchy reminder, but David believes they’ve turned the corner.  I know everyone who’s reading joins me in breathing a sigh of relief.  Her markers look good and her creatinine is at 1.3, which is essentially normal.  Expectations are that it will go lower, so she’s moving in the right direction.  Hooray!

I had a great report yesterday too.  While certain numbers have meant something for a long time — like creeping creatinine counts that are a sign of decreasing kidney function – I’ve had my head wrapped around decreasing prednisone for the last few weeks.  My nephrologist mentioned yesterday in my weekly hospital visit that next Monday they’d review prednisone counts at the four-week marker.  While I will admit a little disappointment, the fact that I feel so great certainly is a far better measure than worrying about prednisone. 

Typical tapers are gradual — like 2.5 mg a week.  I couldn’t believe my good fortune when I got the call late this afternoon that I can taper to 20 mg.  That’s a big old number 10!  I’ll take that one and run with it.  I’m thinking I’ll sleep better in a couple of days and not be forced to knock on neighbors’ doors to get their houses organized.  I’d hate to develop a reputation as the neighbor nut job.

Admitedly I’m not the most patient person on earth (no comments from the peanut gallery, please!) so occasionally I stretch some boundaries (again, no comments, please).  I did get the OK to drive. While it was recommended that a trip to a 7-11 would be OK, I mentioned that there was nothing I was particularly interested in buying except perhaps beer.  Hmmm … that takes me back a few years.  I’ll take it slowly and not jump into rush-hour traffic quite yet.  But oh the freedom!

Connee is here this week, and we did a little woo-hoo when I got the call.  Now she’s the ‘gang of four’ Chairman of the Board, and when she speaks we listen.  (If you’re old enough you might remember the E.F. Hutton commercials.)  She even admits that I’m capable of staying alone, so she’ll be heading out in the next day or so.  So it will be me, Lei Lei and Shaddie manning Club 5551.  Now don’t think there will be a shindig or cocktail hour yet.  With my new-found freedom I will honor the privilege.  This is not an experience I want to try again.  So I will be on my best behavior … mostly.

I’ve mentioned the incredible gift of having my friends here and the treasure of spending time together.  With everyone’s very busy lives, Connee, Olive, June, Debbie and Susie have made personal sacrifices being away from their families.  What a luxurious way to recuperate, surrounded by people I love and adore with all my heart.  Powerful, hopeful, resourceful, smart, funny, extraordinary and amazing, each in their own right.  My Sistas who mean the world to me.

Even better, we’ve got a new Sista in the gang with the addition of Beth.  I continue to ponder thoughts of how I ever am able to thank her for the personal sacrifice she’s made.  What words are ever meaningful enough?  And how do I ever thank the ‘gang of four’ who have been by my side?  And the many friends who have been in constant communication, reading the blog and sending good thoughts.  That is the wonder of this experience.  Even for someone who communicates for a living, the words simply aren’t meaningful enough to portray the depth of emotion I feel. 

I will remember the magic numbers … like 14 laps around a hospital floor.  Six days and feeling great.  Two Good Fridays this Easter season.  A normal 1.2 creatinine level.  Being able to drive at less than four weeks.  Going back to work in six to a team I adore.  Almost 4500 hits to this little site from 820 people.  The kindness of so many that doesn’t translate to numbers.  That’s magic too.

Love, Yvonne

Glory be, as my friend Fahy often says.  In Texas, that translates to yippee oh ki yay.  Or as Jackie says when she’s excited, “I’m doing backflips.”  All that said, for the second day in a row Beth hasn’t needed pain meds when she awakens.  Progress at last! Oh how happy that makes me! She’s still taking extra-strength Tylenol and some pain meds, but the good news is the pain is beginning to subside some.  Even better, she doesn’t have to go back for follow-up at St. Luke’s for three weeks.  As I said to her, I’ll miss our weekly parties at the hospital.  Between Beth and David, and me and the “gang of four” caretaker, we’ve created a little fun in the transplant unit moving between rooms and cutting up a bit.  They seem to enjoy our celebrations together.  While I’m happy she doesn’t have to be there, I’ll miss seeing my “pahd-na.” ( For the uninitiated, that’s partner in Louisiana, Texas and other places in the South.)

On another note, today marks three weeks since Beth and I had surgery.  It’s hard to believe it’s just 21 days,  since on many fronts it seems forever and yet so soon.  I continue to make progress and feel just terrific.  A friend from Compaq days, who too has had a kidney transplant, has been a wonderful source of information over the last year.  We had a great chat this morning to compare notes, and he confirmed that he too felt great after surgery.  The best I can describe is that I’ve felt “foggy” for the last six months from all the toxins.  The moment I awakened — literally — the fog was gone.  I cannot tell you how amazing that alone feels.  The world is clear and fresh, and spring has never been more beautiful.  I’ve also “pinked-up.”  My skin had turned gray, with gray circles under my eyes.  So while that wasn’t evident to most, thanks to plenty of great cosmetic aids, when I came home the circles and yellow eyes were gone.  Oh those little things that are the great results of a successful transplant. 

Kevin says he also celebrates his “new” birthday with a big blow-out.  Oh boy … another reason to celebrate, which I love to do regularly.  So every March 7, I’m going to be doing something ever-so-over-the-top to remember that I really did get a new birthday.  Since Susie’s birthday is March 8, and we’re the same age, I’m thinking I may remove a few years and revert to Beth’s age since I have a “Looney” kidney.  Hmmm … I like that idea!

I’ve referenced the prednisone ‘high’ that provides off-the-charts energy.  Well … let’s just say that my organization skills, aided by Susie’s help, have gotten silly.  This week alone, we’ve completely reorganized the huge French oak armoire with all the china, serving pieces and the like.  (BTW — I love plates, so I won’t tell you how many there are, but suffice to say there are a lot.  Same with linens, crystal and other Southern entertaining stuff.)  The other passions are shoes and handbags.  When Fred first saw my closest, his only words were “oh, I didn’t know I was dating Imelda Marcos.”  Imagine that there are equal numbers of pocketbooks.  So now, those are organized by color with dividers in my closet.   (Who needs five orange handbags?  I do, of course since there are multiple oranges.  Same for green. And those are my two favorite colors if you’ve noticed the blog created by Mike and Ali.)  The plumber has been here to make a couple of repairs, as has the locksmith.  The lights also have been replaced at the front door too.  Now be clear that I haven’t done this alone.  Susie has spearheaded the projects, and I haven’t been able to get on a ladder.  So she’s done a lot with me.  Translation:  I think I’ve worn her out.  In fact, she’s asking to share some prednisone.  Too funny!

So three weeks to go, and I’ll be back at work creating havoc.  My goal is to return on April 21 if I have my way about it.  And mostly I do.  :-)  Remember I believe in possibilities, and I’m creating that one for myself.

Keep your good thoughts focused on Beth.  And then do a little jig for us and howl at the moon tonight.  Maybe drink some wine, a cocktail or any adult beverage.  Or whatever floats your boat to celebrate. 

Susie leaves tomorrow, and Olive arrives.  They’ll be passing each other on the road since they’ll be trading cities.  Then Connee arrives on Monday for a few days. 

Thanks to all of you for every good thought and wish for Beth and me.  As Kevin remarked this morning, he’s blown away by the support and love that continues to abound.  And so am I.  The remarkable cadre of friends is richer than anyone could dare hope.  This small-town chickadee thinks it just doesn’t get any better.  And it doesn’t!

Love,

Yvonne

Today Beth and I both had appointments at St. Luke’s.  It was great to see her, and for Susie — the latest gang member to join me here in Houston — to have the opportunity as well.  Our sweet Beth continues to have significant discomfort, which the docs say will go away with time.  Nonetheless, like all of you, I want to wave a magic wand and make it better.  Unfortunately, the fairy godmother hasn’t show up with that tool yet, so we just have to be patient and let her body take care of itself.  I’ll continue to provide updates on how Beth is doing, since I know everyone is cheering her on and keeping her in their thoughts and prayers. 

As noted, Susie has arrived from Dallas and will be here until Saturday, when Olive comes to take charge again.  Susie and I met when we were 16 years old, and she had moved to Alexandria.  Long and short, we were at LSU together (and if you can spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E that will give you a little insight).  I subsequently introduced her to her husband; was the maid-of-honor in her wedding; her first born, Rand, is my God son; and I claim her two daughters as my own too.  It was her husband Randy who “encouraged” me to work with him on the LSU Dean’s Advisory Council.  In a word, we’ve got history.

She also knows Fahy & Gary DeWitt from Alexandria, two of my most favorite people in the world, who were in town to get their daughter back to Rice.  They stopped by for a quick driveby this morning, which was great.  You may have noticed blog posts from “Garo” so you can appreciate his wonderful sense of humor.  I consider them family, so it was great to see them even so briefly before the dash to the hospital this morning. 

But before winding our way to the medical center, I called the IT guys at The Planet to help me repair a broken key on my notebook computer.  Attired in my most fashionable blue mask, Charles met me downstairs to whisk my PC away and fix it, so I could pick it up on the way home from the hospital.  That’s one of the great things about working in a tech company — there’s not a shortage of people who can fix all those machines. 

Now … about the report today.  As she will testify, Susie heard it straight from the mouth of my nephrologist who said this:  “I’ve never had a patient who has responded as well as you have.  Your progress is off-the-charts and a great success.”  Even better, how I feel matches the great numbers on all the reports that truly couldn’t be any better, particularly just 16 days after the procedure.  I’m pumped.  The next goal is to get the prednisone below 30 mg, which I am hoping will begin happening next Monday at my appointment.  Fingers crossed.

I was beyond excited … so on my way back downtown to pick up my PC, it was just too rich not to be able to call some of my buddies to say hello.  I saw our Chairman and CEO in the parking lot and in my finest style was pleased to holler (that’s right, holler) into the parking lot to say hello.  I think he was as excited as I was to see the progress.  Then my boss Steve, our HR exec Irene, Katie 1, Katie 2, Lynette and Crazy Ali came downstairs and we did air hugs and kisses.  It was so great to see them and to have them share my excitement and good news.  I miss them terribly and can hardly wait to be back with the gang there.  Great people who work hard, play hard and have great senses of humor.  Just doesn’t get better when you’re working with this team — they are the best. 

Now when Beth is back in the saddle, I will feel great relief.  So keep let’s keep thoughts focused on her. 

I go to sleep tonight with my head filled with good thoughts about  how lucky I am.  There are no accidents in life, the universe has provided — aided by my hero Beth — and the possibility of a renewed life has been fulfilled. 

Let me again say thanks to everyone.  Your words of encouragement are grand reminders that I’ve got a to-do list that just got a whole longer.

Love, Yvonne 

For many years, I’ve lived by three mantras:  1) there are no accidents in life; 2) the universe provides; 3) possibility exists everywhere if you just open your heart and your mind.  Now I don’t always like the lessons, but I do know that the messages are often instructive reminders.  Like when I don’t want to be somewhere and I arrive, only to find a parking place at the front door.  That’s when I stop, laugh out loud, and speak the words “OK, I got it.” 

I also believe in miracles.  In fact, every single day of my life I notice what I call little miracles — whether I’m thinking of someone, the phone rings and it’s that person.  Or when I miss every single  traffic light on the way to work out when I really didn’t want to go.  Again, another “I got it.”

The series of miracles that have occured in the past two months are lessons in everything I believe.  My seeing Beth and David at Bev’s funeral, and her “random” question about my health challenges that Bev had shared with her.  The fact that Buddy Donaldson wasn’t a match, but Beth was when the odds against a match are so huge.  The fact that I envisioned September as the transplant date, and Beth preferred sometime before May.  The fact that I wouldn’t have made it to September since my function had diminshed to 14 percent.  Our ability to put together the transplant “dream team” for both of our surgeries on such short notice.  That with the help of Ali, Mike and Todd, we were able to get a blog up and running in record time so we could communicate our progress.  All of these things add up to a series of miracles that are beyond understanding.  Then again, there are no accidents in life, and the universe does provide.  Imagine that so many of you understood the possibilities around this challenge and have been with us 1000 percent.  Despite everything I believe and know, the kindness, love and generosity are hard to comprehend. 

Over the past four years, I have had the great privilege to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Council at the LSU Business School.  These wonderful Louisiana people made the work such fun and so extraordinary.  I count Wendy Luedtke, Karen Deville, Tim Rodrigue and Darrell Broussard as great friends — and there are many more on their respective teams who are equally amazing. 

I mention this because Tim sent me a note the day before surgery that brought tears to my eyes.  His sweet note concluded with “Who knew that there would be two Good Fridays this Easter season?”

Two weeks ago today, Beth gave me the gift of life.  That, my friends, is an amazing Good Friday in my book.  Today we celebrate the actual Good Friday and know that God’s many graces have made all of this possible. 

For so many years I have been very private about this kidney disease.  My goal has always been to manage a chronic illness, not “be” the disease I have.  I’ve never featured myself as a sick person; just someone who has a situation to be managed quietly, privately and without fanfare.  Obviously the fact that this blog exists has “outed” me to the world.  While I admit that there’s a “yikes” factor for me, I want to shout from the roof tops the miracle of Two Good Fridays this Easter season, as Tim notes, and thank the good Lord that Beth and David Looney made my life possible again.  Somehow, I “got it” that I have plenty more work to do in this life, and there must be a plan and purpose that the universe has in store.

Spring and summer — even summer in Houston — are my favorite times of the year.  It’s flowers, new life, great warm weather, fresh breezes and the promise of new miracles and possibilities.  So as I reflect today about remembering the lessons, I hope you’ll know that each one of you are miracles in my life. 

Love, Yvonne

Beth and David spent a long day on another follow-up visit to St. Luke’s.  She continues to have abdominal pain that the docs couldn’t figure out, so they did a CT scan today to get a more definitive look.  The results show she has a hematoma — essentially a really bad bruise — on a muscle in her abdomen, and that’s what’s causing the pain.  While it will subside with some time, it’s still creating discomfort.  The good news is that there’s a root cause, and she knows what she’s dealing with now.  So she needs to continue to take it easy a bit longer.  Bless her heart …

Now understand Beth Looney is no slouch … nothing doing but between resting on the couch she makes a banana bread cake and sends it to my house — hot out of the oven — delivered by her precious Shannon.  OK … by comparison here at Club 5551 we’re having a slug (translate “snail”) fest.

June left this morning for Boston, with chauffeur service by none other than Jackie Fontenot Robins, whom I often refer to as the funniest human on earth.  Nothing doing but Jackie did arrange for June to spend a few hours yesterday with a personal shopper at Tootsie’s, and they had a ball together.  Makes me smile imagining the two of them holding court in the Tootsie’s dressing room.  Ms. Robins is not short on hilarity, shall we say. 

Sweet Debbie arrived today to take June’s place until Sunday.  We’ve had a nice quiet day, while I did some limited work to make sure my fingers are a least in pieces of some pies at the office.  I miss my crazy gang there.  I received a video they taped and sent over titled “Day One: Ygonne.”  With music to “Taking Care of Business,” they all appear in some comprised positions, whether it’s sleeping on their desks, scissors pointed at necks, lunch lists of where they’re heading, or viewing some ‘interesting’ Web sites.  You’ll have to trust me when I tell you there’s no shortage of humor, which is what makes my office such a fun spot.  Work hard, play hard … a great combo. And I’ll be glad when I’m back to business again.

I am woefully behind on e-mail, so apologies for my lack of responses.  I expect to be jumping back into the game in the next couple of days, so I will definitely be in touch.  Thanks for your continued cards, e-mails and notes.  There have been more than 3,000 hits on this little blog, and I know each hit means someone cares about Beth and me.  It’s amazing to imagine that kind of love and caring.  As noted before, blessings abound.

Love, Yvonne