Today is R’s “re-birthday.” The first donor cells went into his body at 5:20 pm. Halla-freakin-lujah. They arrived at SeaTac around noon, all the way from Germany. It’s interesting how many stem cell donors are from Germany. Apparently, it’s part of the cultural norm to sign up. Armed services members are strongly encouraged to add their names to the registry. Thank you, donor!

I wrote the donor a letter which will be delivered to him through the donor registry organization. I wasn’t allowed to put any identifiable information in it. At one year, we can request his info and if he gives his permission, we can contact him directly and vice versa. We’d love to meet him! A trip to Germany? Oh yeah!

I want him to know whose life he’s saving. I want him to know R is a man of great character, and that he is a role model for all who know him. He’s a hard worker, honest, compassionate, gentle, monumentally patient, a beautiful skier, a car mechanic and proud owner of 2 antique cars, a former elementary school teacher and assistant principal, an excellent Swedish-pancake maker, a master landscape designer, a camping and hiking expert, a tech whiz and the best husband, father, brother and grandfather a person could have. This is no ordinary human. He is Superman!

I fell in love with him at 14, married him at barely 21 and can’t imagine life without him, because, he is in me and I am in him. We think the same thoughts at the same time. We share sleep patterns- when he’s having lousy sleep, I am, too. We’ve been through major trauma together and held each other up. My health has been no picnic. I’ve had more surgeries than can be counted on 2 hands, plus, I suffered a mini-stroke in my right eye (yes a blood clot) that led to permanent blindness. My mental health has been iffy at times. Through everything, he has loved me and protected me fiercely.

I owe him everything including our 3 children who adore him!

Today is a new start at life. The hard part comes next. He’ll be beyond susceptible to infection. The most innocuous thing could kill him. The donor cells may attack his organs. His remaining cells may fight the donor cells. He’ll experience fatigue beyond imagination. He could have a host of other ailments or even follow-on cancers because his immune system won’t be up to snuff.

I say all this so you understand the catch 22 we’re in. This is his ONLY chance at life but it could end his life. But not R. He is determined and has so much to live for. He’s been a warrior and will continue the brave fight. Oh how I admire him!

Your love and support will keep him going when the going feels nearly impossible.

Thank you for being there.