Family

I have been an ESRD patient since December 31st, 2002.  I was 24 years old at the time.  It's been almost a decade living this life.  So many things wander into my mind when I think about the disease as it pertains to my life - what I lost, what I gained, and how my whole life, outlook, hopes and dreams changed.

I have been lucky in one constant - my family.  I feel for those who feel the lack or loss of family in their lives - I have been blessed with not only a tight biological family, but there are those who have become family because of the love and friendships we've shared with each other.

I've also been blessed with an incredible family via my wife.  They have taken me in as one of their own, and I've been privy to the wonderful love and compassion that they share with one another.

All of these families have been my rock as I struggled through dialysis with Jordan.  They're with me now, as I heal up and become accustomed to life again with my Kidney Transplant.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm glad I try to cultivate my friendships and foster my relationships with my family.  It isn't always easy, and I'm not always perfect at it, but I try because I feel it's important.  All we have in this life, really, is the connections we make with people.  People have taken time out of their lives to make me more comfortable and happy, and I expect nothing less from myself.

So, if you get a chance - remember to call that old friend you haven't in a while, or drop them a line on Facebook.  I get those all the time, and I love it.


~Steve