Why?
I write this as I sit in the radiology waiting room. I don’t enjoy waits of any length. I have no patience. None at all. But I sit here & I know why I sit here waiting, without a doubt, no matter how many times they assure me that I can back out at any time. I will not.
I am typically a person of decision. I have no process that I go through, no analysis. I look at the situation & the answer is already there. I don’t ever remember making a conscious decision to donate a kidney to Quinn. It was something that when the request went out, I just knew, – that was what I would do (although at the time I thought it would be Gage). I’ve never doubted my decision for a second, if it was a decision.
I mean, most of you know the Roberts – who wouldn’t want to help, if they could? And I know all of you Internet Peoples (as Quinn calls us) have already helped in countless ways. And you’ve included me & Quinn in your love, prayers & good karma wishes. For this I can’t thank you enough, because at the end of the day the only thing that is important is – that Quinn gets a transplant & a chance at healthy life. A life where she gets that first kiss, goes to the prom in a spectacular dress (one with lots of bling for our Quinn!). A life where she gets to hang out with the girls at the beach, drive her mom’ second or third hand Volvo & run & play & dance.
But in the end, I want to donate for only one reason & one reason only – I love Quinn. I love Julia, Julian & Gage. And to all the Emory doctors, CHOA doctors, social workers, nephrologists, psychiatrists, transplant coordinators, I know you have to ask me the same question over & over again: “Why do you want to donate to Quinn?” And this is my final & best offer & it is enough – love.
So I sit patiently (patient as I can be), because as a good friend reminded me recently, doesn’t it all come down to one thing anyway?
Love is Patient
Love is Kind
I Corinthians 13:4a
And that is why.

hard to express, the thanks for this selfless extension of one’s love for another person.
Ray
you are making me cry. Thank you for your love (and patience)!
So proud of you, I am honored to call you my friend.
That’s our Carla aka QPD#1, aka Cheryl, loving, patient and kind!
A variation of John 15:13 comes to mind. Altrustic donors are truly special.
Thank you a million times over for your generosity of your self “literally”. We all love you already.
Thank you Cheryl. It is hard not to cry today at work for the love you have shown my youngest granddaughter and the family. Love you lots – just as much as our other “transplantdaughter” Jody.
You internet peoples are the best!
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