Transplant plus THREE!

Back in March I blogged about our family's celebration of the third anniversary of Judy's successful liver transplant on March 3, 2007. On June 19, we were privileged to be part of an even bigger celebration. It included dozens of liver transplant recipients who had their surgeries at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.

The last such reunion had been indoors in Chapel Hill, but the size of the group, which includes family members, had outgrown that facility. So somebody had the bright idea of having this one at Jordan Lake.

We arrived at the White Oak recreation area early and decided to walk around the shore. It was a beautiful day.

Glad I learned to use that auto-timer.

Couldn't resist including this warning sign. We were not too far from the Shearon Harris nuclear plant. Thankfully, we observed none of these signals.

If anybody asks you where the "Bridge to Nowhere" is, I think we found it.

As lovely as the setting was, what made this gathering special was the people. Here's one of Judy's nurses who remembered our transplant experience vividly.

Here's Judy's favorite nurse, and one who truly became a friend to us and our family. She has had two liver transplants herself, and continues to work in liver research.

Special music was provided by a liver transplantee. His specialty was Swedish folk music, and he was very good. I think.

In the background is the "Bounce-o-rama" or whatever you call those things. There were lots of kids present, bouncing, throwing frisbees, and playing volleyball. Not to mention eating. (For some reason, I didn't get a single picture of the delicious food: barbecue or fried chicken, with all the fixins.

In the foreground, hidden by the shadows, is a world famous group of young athletes called The Bouncing Bulldogs. That's their name, jumping rope is their game. But they don't jump rope like the rest of us. We saw them two years ago at another transplant reunion and they amazed us all with their skill and endless energy. Right after that event in 2008, they headed to China where they turned some heads with an inspired performance at the Olympics. Their success has not diminished: just a couple of weeks ago they won the U.S. national championship for an unprecedented seventh straight time. I blogged about them in June 2008 and have some other excellent videos, but I recommend you just go to youtube to see some of their best stuff: Here's the link.

A more thankful group of people you'll never find than those who've received the gift of life through a healthy new organ. One after another, these grateful recipients strode to the microphone to introduce themselves, state when their transplant had been (many were well over a decade ago), and often to add some poignant personal testimonials.

It was more than a celebration; it gave both transplantees and all others in attendance cause to reflect on the multitude of miracles that had brought us all together this day. The gentleman below, along with his wife, had sat with me and Judy during lunch. It was fun to compare "war stories," and more importantly, "victory tales."

We look forward to many more transplant reunions. The numbers will grow, and as I mentioned, each one represents a special touch of God's hand. A life that will go on, enriched, with an opportunity to bless others. This is a good time for you, dear reader, to think whether you have chosen to be an organ donor, whether you have informed family members, and whether your decision is in writing! (I don't mean 'donate tomorow,' just someday.)