Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day

It was a busy weekend for this clan! Saturday was Taylor's birthday party. Kelly and Steve had all of us over for a bbq and swim. We had a full house. Steve's dad was in town and all three of Mom's sisters were there too. Leslie and Chris also came, so we got to spend some time with baby Gray! We also had some of our extended family there too. Shannon, Charlie and Ray were able to join us. It was lots of fun to see everyone and a good time was had by all.

Today the Nall-Bursmith-Guindi bunch all celebrated Father's Day together. We went and had brunch at Brady's Landing and then all headed home for a nap! It was the perfect ending to a terrific weekend.

Today we honor all of the wonderful Father's in our life. These men hold a special place in all of our hearts. They are loving husbands, caring dads and wonderful people.

Today I am especially grateful to have my father here to celebrate with. He will probably never know the impact he has made on this family. Here's to you Dad. Your three girls love you more than you will ever know.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Glenda Dawson Donate Life

There is a critical shortage of organs, tissues and eyes available for donation. There are more than 96,000 patients in the United States awaiting transplantation—more than 7,000 are Texans.

Every 13 minutes, a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list. Every day, 17 people die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

The Glenda Dawson Donate Life – Texas Registry is the official state organ, tissue and eye donor registry.

Historically, while signing a donor card and placing the "donor" sticker on your driver license served as an important symbol of your intent, it did not place you on any official list or registry.

In 2005, Texas joined 40 other states in the country by creating its own state donor registry.
Registering to become an organ, tissue and eye donor helps ensure your wishes will be carried out after you die.

You have the power to donate life. Sign up today to become an organ, tissue and eye donor. Your generosity can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance another 50 through tissue donation.

https://www.donatelifetexas.org/TXDear_Secure/DonorRegistration.aspx

Monday, June 6, 2011

Where Does The Time Go?

Ok. I know. It has been way too long since I have posted an update. It is not that I don't have anything to say. I do. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my parents, this experience, Roy and his family or some aspect of this journey. But all too often the day goes by and I find myself falling asleep before I have gotten to even half of the things I need to do. So, regretfully, the blog has been neglected. So, here are a few updates.

In early April Dad spent a few unexpected days in the hospital. He came down with a fever and chills late one evening. As any good transplant patient would, he headed directly to the emergency room. After a few days of being in the hospital, I had a hard time remembering how we managed Dad's three month hospital stay. I can only imagine how hard is was for Dad. Anyway, it turned out to be a somewhat minor incident - a strep infection in his leg. After a few days of some stiff antibiotics, he was as good as new.

At the end of April my Dad and Shannon (Roy's mom) made a visit to my work. They came to share their story with my City of Bryan family and spread the word of how important organ donation is. Janice also brought along her City of College Station family. Their story was heartfelt and emotional and even I learned a few things about my Dad that day.


Mom and Dad have been busy with Life Gift events. A few weeks ago they got to attend a red carpet event put on for all of the volunteers. I haven't seen Dad in a suit and tie in years! I must say, Mom and Dad both looked fabulous. Then, a week later, Dad had the honor of handing out medals at the annual donor family ceremony. Finally, Dad and Shannon were both on KHOU TV in Houston talking about organ donation and the Heck of a Blanket outreach. They interviewed a lady that received one of Shannon's blankets after her son's death. It was a moving news story and really got the word out about organ donation and Shannon's blanket ministry.

There are probably so many more updates I could give. Life has been non-stop for the last two months. But, to sum it all up, Dad has never looked better. He is healthier than I have ever seen him. We have so much to be thankful for.