Letter from Yaya...

Dear friends,

I cannot tell you how thankful Yoyo & I are for all the beautiful messages, the prayers, and the good wishes we have received from all of you!  Joe & I cannot emphasize enough how much it meant to us.   God decided last week that I must live on; the gift of life that Joe gave me did not really sink in until I was able to walk down a long hospital corridor to ring a bell to indicate another life had been saved.  It was very emotional to me and for about 15 nurses that were there! 

 

Joe was released the day after surgery, and now, 8 days later, he was able to drive himself to daily Mass.  What a blessing to have such a speedy recovery!  After the actual day of the surgery, neither of us have needed heavy-duty pain medication, and that, without doubt, is because of all of your prayers.  My best days started yesterday, and I'm doing so well I might be allowed to go home tomorrow (Thursday).

 

Our two wonderful children, William & Joannie, took care of us!  They were tireless and giving and made us feel so special.  We are so proud of them.  We're also so thankful to their families and others that helped to make it possible for them to be with us.  My sister, Pely, has also been fantastic, and will stay with us for a couple of weeks as we continue to recover.  What a great team we have!

 

For the immediate future, I have be extremely careful in my exposure to infection since my immune system has been greatly reduced while I adapt to the new kidney.  It is kind of hard to be squirting hand sanitizer every 15 minutes!  It's pretty interesting how this works:  No buffets or salad bars, eating as soon as food is cooked, and (unfortunately) limiting visitors for a while.  The first 3 to 6 months are the most critical, then the immune drugs are reduced and things can get back to the new normal, whatever that will be.

 

At every step of the way we have known that God would guide us, strengthen us, and hold us in His hands, and we have felt it every day.  Thanks again to everyone who has prayed for us; that is the best support we can get!

 

Love & hugs,

Marta

PS:  Joe, I love you not only because you gave me a kidney, but just because another day has passed.  Happy 435th (month) anniversary!