And now, a word from our sponsor...

I'm sure that those reading this blog have come to realize that even when I "catch up" my blog to the current day, my story will not yet be fully told.  In "real time", I am still waiting for my transplant.  However, since the idea to put this journal together did not strike me until recently, I am still working on detailing past events, instead of relatively recent ones, as will be the case at some point soon.  And since my blog entries up to this point are not simply random events as the time passes, but more similar to chapters of a story, I would be remiss in not pointing out to those new to reading blogs, that the best way to understand the big picture is to start from the oldest entry, and work forward through each post to the newest.  That may help my ramblings make a bit more sense!

That said, I've got something that I'd really like to say about my current state.  The last few days, for really the first time, I have really been getting a bit low.  Don't know if it is the holidays, if I'm just wearing down a bit, or if it is just the natural progression of this lovely disease.  Regardless of cause, I'm not typically the "woe is me" type.  And needless to say, it's no fun.

It is at this point that I have most noticed an unusual phenomenon that I truly didn't anticipate.  While I certainly hoped for and deeply appreciate all of the support of my wife, family, friends, and neighbors, there is one group whose support I didn't really anticipate -- at least to the extent that it has so far been shown.

I am, hopefully, about to join an extremely select fraternity -- A small group of those who have, through the benefit of a generous donor and a skilled medical staff, received a second chance at life.  And it is those folks who I have significantly misjudged.

You see, I anticipated that, when I came into contact with this group, I would get that gloom and doom attitude that I really am not a fan of.  However, I have found that, to a larger and larger degree, those who have been down this path before me not only are appreciative of the gift of time and life that they have been given, but are quite ready and willing to generously give back their advice, support, and anything else within their power to those who are in the process of "joining the club".

For those who have taken the time to email or post comments here, and for those who I have come into contact with through online and other groups, this is directed to you and those like you.  I owe you each a heartfelt thank you.  I also acknowledge that the debt I have incurred to each of you cannot possibly be paid directly -- and that is why, once I am back on my feet, I intend to do all within my power to raise awareness about, and assist in supporting, those who may be the new members of tomorrow and beyond.

For those who have not yet advanced to the point where I currently am physically, I cannot encourage you enough to open up and listen to the people who have been there before.  Do not let your pessimism about their intent or attitudes cloud your judgment, as it did mine.  This is not to say that all will have good advice for your particular situation -- but rather to encourage you to at least open a discriminating ear to try to separate the advice that may be misguided, or that you do not need or desire, from that which is invaluable.  Do not, as the old saying goes, throw away the baby with the bath water!

OK -- 'Nuff said.  Back to my story...