A man named Carl

I totally do not know this man (or his wife, Dawn) at all. I randomly found their blog after googling "liver transplant blogs". I figured that there had to be other people out there with a similar situation to ours. I find it very interesting and cathartic to read other people's stories. So, I am now stalking Carl's blog. :)

Carl was diagnosed with PSC just like Geoff and had a liver transplant last August. I guess what has really drawn me to their story is that Carl is young. It is not very often that you find "younger " people like Geoff and Carl who need transplants. Most of the people that Geoff met at the Baylor orientation a few months ago were all at least in their sixties-Geoff was the youngest one (and he has already had 1 transplant), so I definitely feel a connection with Carl and his wife. The best thing about Carl's story is that he is doing so well and is now healthy.

His wife and I have exchanged a few e-mails back and forth sharing parts of our stories. One thing that has been awesome for me is that I have been able to show Dawn and Carl that life does go on. One of the best things I have shared with her is that you can have children, be a family, and share in all of those wonderful moments that children bring.

So if you want to be a stalker like me feel free to follow Carl and Dawn's journey too!

http://www.carlanddawn.blogspot.com/

Life is good

You're all shocked, right? I'm not sure I have much to say other than "life is good". I woke up this morning feeling like things could be a lot worse. For example, Forever 21 could have never been created and then I would have no wear to shop for cheap clothes. I could have 4 dogs that shed their hair all over my floors all day long (instead of one). Sprouts could stop putting their wine on sale (hello! 3 bottles for $10) or even worse all pedicure shops could shut down at a moments notice.

Seriously though life is good and I am very grateful for what I have.

Princess Playdate

Hot off the press

Geoff says that "I'm faster than CNN" on my updates....

#6 in Fort Worth
#9 in Dallas

Not much movement but we'll take it!

The long weekend...

Going into the long weekend it is very hard for Geoff and I not to think of the obvious when it comes to the transplant world-more available organs by Tuesday. Please don't misunderstand...we obviously do not wish that people get in accidents or that others get hurt, but the reality of it is that in order for Geoff to live someone else must die.

I often wonder if we will have a relationship with Geoff's new donor family. You always see these wonderful stories on 60 minutes or the Today show where the recipients and the donor families are close friends, apart of each other's live, etc. but that doesn't always happen. With Geoff's first transplant he contacted the family to thank them and express his appreciation, but there was never a great relationship formed. I believe it was the sister of the donor that has responded to Geoff a few times, but even to this day the family has a hard time accepting the woman's death (mainly because it was so unexpected). But even though we don't swap Christmas cards on an annual basis there will always be an unspoken bond between the two families.

Some of you have asked if we have told the donor family that Geoff is in need of another liver. The answer is no. We don't see any point in doing that. That liver has given Geoff many, many wonderful gifts throughout the last 9 years and we wouldn't want the family to think anything less.

So, enjoy your families this weekend and please remember to drive safe.

He's so happy to have friends

That's what they look like? You've got to be joking!

I'll keep this short and as un-detailed as possible because my family reads this blog (including Geoff's) but SERIOUSLY they should really consider hanging a full-size poster of what boobs look like after two kids in the labor and delivery room. I'm pretty sure this whole over populated country thing would be significantly reduced.

Sorry, no pictures today.