volleyballguy73
Hartland, MI
41, joined Feb. 2009
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Many of you know about my health struggles in the past. Yesterday was one year since my donor passed. One year ago tonight I got the call from U of M to come in for the transplant, the 21st is the anniversary of my transplant. I'm feeling fantastic, but that is not what this post is about.
Yesterday, the family held a memorial service of sorts. There is a large "brick" in the town where she lived, that everyone paints. The family decided to paint a memorial on it and have her family and friends sign it. I contacted my donor's best friend and asked her to come get me, so I could surprise the family by being there and meeting them for the first time. I met her mom first, at the store where we all got balloons to release. Tina, my donor's friend who picked me up, and I were walking out of the store with a dozen balloons. She said, "There's Blanche", who is my donor's mom. I kind of hid behind the balloons until we got to the car where Blanche was. I stepped out from behind the balloons, and Blanche immediately started crying after she saw me. Her brother and disabled sister were there, as well as one of her cousins was there, too, and a young man she had helped get through school and back on the "right track". I met my donor's grandma next. She didn't seem like she wanted to let me go. I met her other sister and step-dad (who raised her), uncle, aunt and a couple of cousins, one niece and nephew, and friends later. There were a ton of people there to sign the "brick". Later, 9 of us went to dinner and just talked. It was such an honor to be there, to share in this with the family.
Her mom and me....
Her mom (left), Dad (far right), brother, sisters and me....
Her siblings (in the front), cousin (like sisters) in the back, and me....
Almost ALL of her family have become donors now, because of what Shawntel was able to do for me, and 4 others.
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tango159
Gainesville, FL
34, joined Jan. 2012
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congrats
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volleyballguy73
Hartland, MI
41, joined Feb. 2009
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Thanks, guys. It was so nice meeting them all. I can't wait to spend more time with them and learn more about her.
BTW, the shirt I'm wearing is one given to all transplant patients, by the University of Michigan Hospital. On the back it says, "Organ Donors Save Lives".
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godsbutterfly1
Woodlyn, PA
60, joined Dec. 2010
online now!
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That is great!! Thanks for sharing.
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wana_have_fun
Gulfport, MS
46, joined Jun. 2013
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AWSOME congrats on your 1 yr re birthday and a 2nd chance at life to finish what you are ment to do good luck 
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volleyballguy73
Hartland, MI
41, joined Feb. 2009
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Thanks all. It's been an amazing year. 
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