Nine Years Ago, and Now

Nine years ago today my family was in the middle of the whirlwind. My son, Aidan, had just come out of 12 hour liver transplant surgery on the morning of October 1st, 1999. He was four months old at the time. His heart had stopped for a second time just before surgery the night before. It turns out that the transplant was just the start of a tougher longer road instead of the solving all of his medical problems...


In a couple of days ... Aidan will be up in the stands watching his brother play for the JVs. He is now nine although mentally he is probably about four. He will enjoy the whole experience. He will stand up for the kickoff and love it when the crowd cheers and the band plays. Normal life is good. There is nothing better than being up in the stands on a Friday cheering for your team.

I mentioned over here that a star running back in our region, who read the above message that my husband posted on a highschool football board, sent Aidan a football and a team sweatshirt and a nice note expressing admiration for Aidan's courage.

Clare took some pictures of our little hero so Kevin could send some photos with a thank-you note Here's a couple that turned out particularly cute.

Aidan's starting technique for his 40 Yard Dash.





















Aidan just about 9 years ago, October 9th 1999, a few days after his transplant.

Aidan surrounded by siblings just before his transplant

Aidan's Transplant Story

I guess I am thinking about how many people stood in persona Christi for us through the years, often without even knowing it. Their prayers and kindness made things happen.

Mother Teresa wrote:

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in an ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.

I am trying to remember that. ... the power in doing little kind things that could easily not have been done at all. Those things enrich the world.

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.