Farewell Gathering

We met some of our new acquaintances ( lung transplant recipients) this past week at the clinic and that  inspired us to get together.  Most of us anticipate departure to our homes within the next few weeks and we wanted to have our last social visit.  We had all thought about going out to eat, however; we decided that it was probably in everyone's best interest to meet here.  So it was that eight of us met in the courtyard for a covered dish Brunch.  We gathered under the gazebo and enjoyed our food and good fellowship.  It was so wonderful to watch Lee, Jerry, Wayne and Larry (all lung transplant recipients) enjoy eating and laughing together.  What a joy!

All four of them had been extremely sick prior to their procedures.  Each one had a different pre-operative condition that was life-threatening.  Each one had experienced extreme anxiety with high oxygen intake and feelings of suffocation.  Each one had a special story to share..............and share they did.  Sometimes the stories were so sad that we held back the tears...........most of the time, they laughed and told some really funny hospital stories. 

While we have been living here, we have met many wonderful, special people.  Each person has a unique story.  The bond that develops among the recipients and the caregivers is the beginning of a life-long relationship.  They know how fortunate they are to have this gift of life and we caregivers also realize the opportunity that has been given to them.  Because of the donations of these lungs, we have received our loved ones back from the tyranny of suffocation.  I cannot imagine how terrible that must be. 

I just had to share this day with you!  It was a beautiful warm and sunny Saturday.  Later this evening Lee and I went for a drive.  We had to stop at Walgreen's and decided to take advantage of flu shots. Iat was a good place for Lee to walk around for a while.  We took the long drive home just to see some other parts of Durham and another route back to the condo.

This week will probably answer some questions for us such as:  Will Lee have to have a stomach wrap and when can we return home?!!!!  We should know something by Thursday.

More Later....................................Brenda