0412 hours
Close friends, Darlene and Mike Walsh received a miracle Friday when they learned that Darlene's sister Donna was a "perfect match" to donate a kidney to Darlene. Darlene a former co -worker of both "my" Dar and my self at Bangor School, (where Dar and I met) and Mike whom I have known for many years found out a while back that Darlene had a kidney that was failing.
While on a trip back East for business and to see there son in the Armed Forces Darlene was stricken. It was a rough time for the whole family and Mike I'm sure went and still goes through the same things I find myself going through. Darlene came home after a stay in the hospital and has been on the kidney donor list and receiving dialisis ever since. The hunt was on for a match and family and friends stepped up to the call, even I was getting ready to be tested to help Darlene out.
Well, yesterday morning when I arrived at Kentfield to see Dar I checked the blog and there was a message from Mike telling me that Darlene's sister Donna was not only a match but a "perfect match" for Darlene. You could tell the relief in what Mike wrote. We are so happy and thankfull for this news.
Mike sent me an email last night that now Darlene and Donna will begin "evaluations" for the transplant/donation. Such an exciting time for the Walsh family.
As followers of Dar's Recovery please put the Walsh family on your prayer list as they begin the next phase of "their Darlene's Recovery". Kind of ironic isn't it, two Darlene's to pray for.
Well, my "Dar" had a fantastic Saturday, full of sunshine, laughter and joy. We went to physical therapy where she worked in the standing position for about twenty minutes, stretching and working her upper body muscles.
After therapy Dar did not want to go back to her room so we went for a walk to the next little "hamlet" near the hospital. There is a bike/walking/jogging path that runs by the hospital and actually goes a long way for people to walk, ride, jog and the like. Dar must have been reminded of riding her quad. The path is black topped but in places was a little rough. Dar must have felt like she was on a dirt road on her quad because she was laughing and smiling the whole time. She had such a good time in the sun and feeling the breeze in her face that she just wanted to walk and walk. We found ourselves in the little "hamlet" of Ross down the path. It was so great to watch Dar be herself.
When we returned to the hospital she did not want to go back to her room so we went to the patio and visited with another family and their son. John Murphy has been a patient at the hospital for 7 months, a vitim of a fall. We have gotten to know John, Peggy/Kevin (mom and dad), sisters Molly and Kaitlin pretty well over the last couple of months. We are all family, looking out for one another and supporting one another as we find ourselves brought together by something we never in a million years would have thought would or could happen to us.
It is such an insperation to see the "will" of the patients and strength of the families at this facility.It does not make a difference what color you are, what religion you believe in, how old you are or what happened to you. Every one there is there for something similiar and everyone there is family. Always giving encouraging words, lending a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on. We are all family supporting and praying for each other.
While on the patio, Dar decided to keep all of us laughing and smiling. She was such a little "scamp", wearing her sunglasses and giving us her infectious smile and laughter you could not help but have a smile on your face. The day was beautiful the sun was shining and so was Dar.
We took video of Dar swinging and kicking both feet, yes I said both feet. The right foot is really getting with it and the left has improved 100 per cent since last weekend or even Wednesday. She is quite proud of her acomplishment. Course, so am I.
We did not return to her room until about 2:00 in the afternoon and were a little late getting her hooked back up to her "viddles".
Back to bed and taking a little nap about 4:00, Maverick and I headed for home as I have to work and prepare for "Open House" at the school on Thursday.
We got as far as Woodland and then the Duramax must have thrown an injector, ran like crap but we limped it home and got home about 8;30. Hopefully repairs can be made quickly and timely so that we can get it back on the road by Wednesday. Will take it to the shop tomorrow and have our good friends at Joes Auto and Truck take care of it. If not I will take Dar's car to the bay on Wednesday.
Well have to finish getting ready for work. Just thought we could brighten your Sunday with this fabulous news about the Walsh family and the continuing progress of Dar.
Cards are beginning to come in on a regular basis for Dar's scrapbook and I thank you for them. If you would like to send Dar a card or special wish you can send it to;
"Dar's Recovery"
c/o 406 Black Oak Dr.
Chico Ca 95926
We look forward to the day that we can share with Dar all of the well wishes, prayers and stories that have happened since the 22nd of December.
Don't forget that you can leave a comment or thought at the end of each post and I want to say that I appreciate them when you do. Sometimes it is what keeps me going. Please do not hesitate to leave one. Just sign it as annonomous and follow the instructions. I really do appreciate them.
Another big thank you to the Red Hatters organization for the cards that you have sent to Dar. I can't wait to share them with her. Jerna thank you so much for following the blog and sharing "Dars Recovery" with your very special organization. I hear tell that you are quite the celebrity within the Red Hatters. Thank you again.
Thank you everyone, we love you all
Dar/Danny
