After our last official class of my second year of Medical School I had a quick weekend trip planned to
go back home and visit with family to refresh before the big boards
study binge. I flew back to Madison just in time for my
parents and Lyssa to pick me up at the airport. From there we went to
Becca's apartment to freshen up for an important family meeting. Mom,
Dad, and I were contacted by one of Joel's recipients and he was going
to be in Madison for a routine post operative check up. We wrote
letters to all of the recipients, and received a few responses, but were
delighted to hear when one family wanted to meet.
We
were so excited to have this opportunity, as we know that it is rare in
the community of transplantation. What an experience to be able to
connect with another family that is so close to our own. We decided
that the Great Dane would be an excellent place to meet over dinner. As
we walked in, I knew the couple that were sitting in the entry way with
two roses - it had to be them, and it was! We sat at a booth and
started to hear his story. He told of us his work, career, and
beautiful family. We learned how difficult it can be to be a recipient, especially a lung
recipient, who endures countless tests and endless waiting while very
ill until a transplant is available.
We also had
the opportunity to tell them about Joel and all of the things he was
able to accomplish, many of the fun stories that we love to laugh about,
and then of course what brought the two families together at the
table. We prepared a frame of a few of our favorite pictures of Joel
for them to have to show their family back home who was not able to come
with them. They could tell instantly that he loved the outdoors and
working with his hands - something both of our families had in common!
The
dinner was full of emotion, tears, and so much happiness. It was not
like talking to strangers, but an extension of your own family - for we
were so intrinsically connected before sitting down together. We left
on the promise of keeping in touch and hopefully meeting again some day,
either in Madison, or another place!
We are so very
grateful for this opportunity, and cannot thank the family enough for
their courage and kindness in wanting to meet us. We think of them very
often, as I'm sure they think of us.
