We all have times that test us; we all have our own sources of strength we draw from.
Today, Ashley Quiñones gets her new kidney. Whatever your sources of strength, wherever you seek and find your positive energies, I hope you’ll think of Ashley today, her family, her surgical team, as well as her extraordinary donor and his family.
This is where my energies are, my thoughts are, my perspective as I look at pictures of my sons, each away at school, and I count my blessings and wish for these two remarkable families to know a long and healthy future.
“It is such a big story,” writes Jeremy, Ashley’s donor, before going into surgery.
What I see is a story that is played out over and over as courageous individuals donate organs so others may continue to live. I see Jeremy’s big heart and his wife’s and of course Ashley’s. I see bravery I cannot imagine. I see the strength of two families, of a community, of friends.
It seems like such a long time since Kelly, Ashley’s sister, left a comment here about the transplant that looked like it might never take place for lack of funding. But here we are. And you all helped. Good things can happen when we don’t accept “no” and we insist on “yes.”
Please join me – and join them – in offering your strength, your positive thoughts and wishes, your whispers to the Gods you hold close, and the power of your big hearts to help these good people achieve the best possible outcome.
To me, they are the big story, and encourage us to look at the big picture in our own little worlds, to appreciate what really matters, to know our good fortune in those we love, those who love us, our health, our integrity, and how much more joyfully we can give – and live.
For updates, check Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidneycutie
have thought about this young woman so many times. she will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. thank you so much for sharing.
I’ve been following updates on FB and on Jeremy & Kate’s blog (Jeremy is the donor). Things seem to be going well… 🙂
People like Jeremy are the true heroes of our culture. People who sacrifice of themselves for others for no other reason but because it’s the right thing to do. My prayers are with both families that they will come through this stronger physically, personally and spiritually. A wonderful story of courage, faith and love. Thank you for pointing this out to everyone.
Thanks for joining this very special chorus, Lisa. I wonder if Jeremy and Kate (his wife), Ashley and Kelly, all their friends and family realize – they’ve touched so many lives with their courage and grace, by example. No telling what wonderful ripple effects will come of that.
I couldn’t be happier to see this update. Thank you for all that you have done to help rally the troops in support of Ashley. Her story and the generosity of Jeremy and Kate will continue to inspire me – as will your dedication to helping bring a happy resolution to Ashley’s story.
xo
Now the question is… can you send homemade chicken soup to UNC via UPS?
🙂
Apparently – Ashley and her new kidney are already “kickin’ ass and takin’ names” according to Kelly. Seems to me that Ashley may be needing some dancing shoes soon… And Jeremy and Kate? A second honeymoon and a little dancing of their own?
It’s been a good day. A very good day. So many people, so many communities, so much courage. Talk about inspiring, Kristen…
Love the good news. We need more of it in this world. Thanks BLW for keeping us up to speed.
Kudos to you for your own big heart, the heart of a wolf. Sending much love and wishes for healing and health to Ashley, her family, and onward. xoxo
Just think – Kristen, Pamela… Ashley will be able to write her own Five Year Plan now. How cool is that?
I say we all make plans for the Shoe Shopping Tour of Paris. I’m thinking Ashley and Kelly and Kate will need to kick up their heels. (I suspect that Kelly’s daughter Bella will want to come along for some pink footwear.)
Maybe the guys could take Jeremy golfing? Snowboarding? Hanging out with the ladies as we shoe shop in the City of Lights, if he prefers?
🙂
What a lovely post. My thoughts are with your friend Ashley, her family, and the family of the donor. You never really appreciate your belssings until your life falls apart, and your family and friends are there to help. Well done.
Words can’t even explain what all your posts of support and love means to me right now – my heart over flows. As I am writing, I am sitting in a dark hospital room watching my husband recover. Today has been an amazing day – full of struggle, courage and triumph. Now reading your blog, your posts and really all the comments from around the globe, I am blown away from the support of so many people. It really does mean so much….
But more importantly – the Shoe Shopping trip to Paris sounds like a MUST! The days leading up to the transplant, Jeremy, Ashley and I were talking about writing 5 year plans. And we decided a trip to Australia was in order (Ashley gave up her plans for Australia when she went into kidney failure). So from this day forward – Ashley does have the hope for completing her 5 year plan!
Thank you to you all. Kate
It seems to me you deserve a little sleep, Kate. A lot of sleep. And when everyone’s feeling better… I say Shoe Shopping here we come! And our thanks to you and your family for the gift you’ve given. Not only to Ashley, but to the rest of us, in your example.
While I’m often late to these soirees I’m thrilled to have checked the Facebook page and see that all are doing well in the recovery process. I’m so pleased that Ashley got her donation kidney and I’m proud of you BLW for being a change agent in our times of rising compassion and community.
I followed Kate’s link back to her blog, and have been reading the story of Kate, Ashley, Jeremy, and Jeremy’s kidney, now in Ashley. It begins here:
http://jeremy-kate.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-much-to-say.html
I’ve been following for some time. I hope others will as well, including going back to that post. It’s quite a journey… Thank you for including the link.
I’ve been checking into the FB page pretty frequently. What is happening between Jeremy and Ashley is amazing. And it gave me chills to know that Ashley will not only write her 5 year plan, but be able to live it. Thanks BLW for inspiring and raising awareness.
I’m so glad you’ve been checking in daily, Rudri. Ashley still has plenty of healing ahead of her. But everything is looking so extraordinarily good for both Ashley and Jeremy so far. It’s quite incredible news. And we all need more of this sort of very real, very human, very good news.