The Best Gift
Johnny lay listless in his hospital bed. Next to his bed are his mom and dad. They are energy less from lack of sleep and worry about their only son. They have prayed day and night hoping for the best, wishing and wanting to find the right donor to help safe their son’s life. Destiny has dealt them a very cruel hand. Their son was diagnosed with a liver disorder and must have a liver transplant for any chance of survival.
Time has stood still for the Smith family. They are still patiently waiting for the best gift of all, the gift of life. The wealth and fortune the Smith have amassed through all of their real estate investments cannot buy them what they want the most, a healthy vibrant liver for their son. The only choice is to wait and hope for the best!
The sun pierced through the curtained window illuminating the Smith’s master suite. Annabel Smith lazily opened her eyes feeling extremely tired from too many sleepless nights. As she struggled to get out of bed, the telephone rang. She grabbed the receiver. “Hello, this is Dr. Nolan; I believe we have found a liver for Johnny.” Mrs. Smith’s heart pounded in her chest like the drumming of heavy rain. A sense of joy enveloped her entire being.
“Thank you so much Dr. Nolan,” replied Annabel
“I will get back with you as soon as all the details for surgery are finalized,” explained Dr. Nolan. “Very well,” answered Mrs. Smith.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith paced back and forth in the waiting area. All they could do at this point was to wait to hear from Dr. Nolan. Annabel Smith buried her face in her hands, her husband trying his best to stay calm and strong. “Oh my God,” muttered Annabel. “I hope everything is well, it has been six hours now.” “Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” replied Mr. Smith. Annabel turned away as if her husband hadn’t even spoken. Involuntarily she shivered from fear brought on by the possibility that Johnny might not make it. The pounding in her chest made her breathing quite laborious. Her mind kept coming back to the year when liver failure claimed the life of her beloved father. Her mind was reeling with questions to God. Understanding had surpassed her. Yet in the confusion, in the despair, for some reason Annabel had hope. And hope is freedom from the fear of losing the best gift ever given to her, HER LITTLE JOHNNY.
After what seemed to have been an eternity, Dr. Nolan walked into the waiting area... and said the following “I have some very good news, I am happy to report that the surgery went very well and we were able to detect bile production early after surgery, I also want to inform you that patients aged 17-34 have the highest life expectancy: 28 years post-transplant,” explained Dr. Nolan. Upon hearing this news the Smiths felt the weight of the world rolling off their shoulders, their frown curved into a huge smile. “Thank you so very much Dr. Nolan,” declared Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Johnny remained in ICU for four days and after a month stay at the hospital he was allowed to go home.
It has been six years since Johnny had his liver transplant. Johnny remains very upbeat even though he has to remain on anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life. At the young age of twenty-four he is completely dedicated to helping his parents run the SMITH FOUNDATION. Through this foundation the Smiths have made it possible for countless number of post-transplant patients to have frequent health monitoring and home visits. The Smiths were able to replace the bitterness that spawned from their son’s illness with compassion. They have a new mission in life: To provide the less fortunate with the financial backup so they too can have access to THE BEST GIFT: LIFE!
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