We’re leaving the beach on the 16 month anniversary of Gage’s kidney transplant. I’m in awe of Gage’s energy and stamina (except for academics) for life and a day truly never goes by without my gratitude for Jody and her well-behaving kidney.

There are a lot of things on my Gage Agenda when we get home that involve his life experience with his kidney failure (“almost died”) and his being well and somewhere in there not being able to express himself for whatever reason and about my intuition of what lies beneath. And all of these things to me, even on my worst days with dealing with the Behavior That Is Gage, I am still so extremely thankful that he is alive.

Do I always have the patience I need for Gage’s unique behavior?

No.

Do I always appreciate Gage’s energy level?

Um. No. Hence the question above.

But without question, every, single day, I appreciate Jody’s kidney donation and the offer of three other potential donors.

Thanks Jody. Happy, Sweet 16 Months of one less kidney. Your gift will always stand out in my mind as a mother-to-mother gift, even though it is Gage who received your kidney.

This mother loves you.