Jody,

Can you believe we are pushing a year since you gave a kidney to Gage? I can and I can’t believe it in this very moment. It seems so very far away but also like it was yesterday.

How is that for being profound?

I can’t begin to tell you what it means to this mom to know that Gage was given a chance at a better life because of you. Whenever I think about your offer and donation I feel unable to articulate inside of me what it means to Gage’s life and our life as a family.

Gage can do many, many things he couldn’t before. While most of them are good, not all of those things are (he has the stamina to argue like you wouldn’t believe!), but I will take them all any day over what his life was before his new kidney.

He can play with the best of them, run, climb as long as he has the desire to, and his current favorite thing that is related to kidney function that he enjoys is watching his weight go up. Not a single day goes by that he doesn’t get on a scale or talk about how much he weighs. He’s up to 62 lbs, which is 20 lbs+ it was when we were sent to his transplant evaluation. He’s very proud that I can no longer swing him over my shoulder with ease. A beautiful smile and giggle lights up his face when he realizes his clothes no longer fit. And he’s proud to tell us his toes are at the end of his shoes.

Never have I been so happy to replace a wardrobe. He’s growing into his older cousin’s clothes that he’s seen tucked away in his closet for years. What a joy to witness. Because of the kidney function he’s eating (hence the weight) but his food list has greatly expanded to foods other than poptarts. He’s more adventurous in every area of his life.

As you know, this past 11 months we’ve not had any major complications with your kidney. We know that we’re lucky and blessed but not as lucky and blessed as we were the day you sent that simple email asking for a donor packet. Thank you for following your heart and soul.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to watch Gage’s transformation from sick little boy to rough and tumble little 9 year old. His desires finally match his ability.

I look forward to our private celebration with just our families on March 27th…and our public celebration with The Village(s).

Much love – always,

Gage’s grateful mom,
Julia