It’s up to you.

[Kbressler]

Keeping in mind that we are all God’s children then live like it. Don’t be taken up with the “what you should do” but rather all the things “you can do”. Those who have been transplanted don’t walk on eggshells but step out in faith and gratitude. Never lose sight of how you got here. Forget the past and all the pain, live all out today, and dream of the future. Figure out how you can help yourself and touch others. Love and courage trumps pain and trials. Your strength comes from others and how you carry yourself means more then perfection. Take all recommendations with a grain of salt and do your research. If you take any advice take that of the fellow who lives in moderation and finds it easy to forgive. Inside of each of us is the will to survive and in that we move forward. My dad use to tell me as a boy, smile, lookem in the eye and hug em. Your enemy will be surprised and those who love you will be forever grateful. Let’s all get busy living wanna? For those of you who are looking for a transplant never give up.

[JOANNWARD]

Your post really touched me and is SOOOO true. We have been given a second chance, so to speak, and why waste it being caught is the cycle of "shoulda, woulda, coulda" and what I am "Suppose to be doing". God will guide me and his will be done.

[Kbressler NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to JOANNWARD]

So glad you responded. Life is to short to fool around looking for perfection. My favorite live by scripture is Philippians 4:6-7. What is the best thing that has happened to you since your transplant?

[JOANNWARD in reply to Kbressler]

I retired and stopped working. It was great because I have the time to devote to my family, friends, and my fur-babies

[Bobbiereed NKF Ambassador]

Well said. As bad as it is--one must take what they are dealt and initiate the change on their own. Being empowered, Being positive, and Believing that your faith will carry you. That strength which comes from within does truly transfer to others around you. In sales we often hear "if someone has a bad experience, they typically go out and tell at least 10 friends about it" When I sold telephones, my success was based upon referrals and return business. That repeat business would never have happened if I didn't live by keeping it positive and being empowered to do everything possible to make the experience of the person I was dealing with a good one. I guess I didn't have too many people have bad experiences with me because good prevailed. Not only did my customers feel good, I felt good because I was able to help them accomplish something positive.

[Legomegamind]

I always thought that I had to constantly sacrifice the things/emotions I had and never be reimbursed for my suffering. This transplant alone will give back everything that i lost.