This past weekend, the Beverlin clan headed to Colorado for Don's kidney transplant. His brother, David, has kidney disease and was almost ready to go on dialysis. Doctor's have been doing tests to see if Don would be a good match for a donation. After many months of tests, special diets, and lots of prayer, it was finally time for the big surgery.
Many relatives and friends were at the hospital waiting for news on the surgeries.
Cora did so well on the entire trip...and she was quite entertaining during our long wait. All the Aunties loved holding Cora and helping keep her happy however they could. Aunt Gracie especially loved walking around with her in the stroller.
Kathy and Aunt Lori waiting to hear the news.
After about 3-4 hours after the surgeries, we were able to say a quick hi to them both. This was taken the second day, but even a few hours after surgery, Uncle David said he felt so much better. He looked great and was even sitting in a chair by the second day. And as always, he was telling jokes and laughing even after the surgery! They were still a little out of it when we first saw them because of the medicine. Uncle David kept trying to rub my belly and say hi to the baby. It was so funny!
Don, on the other hand, didn't feel quite as good as David. He looked as if he might need a kidney transplant of his own after the surgery! They told us that the second and third days are the worst though, so that was a little helpful to hear. It was so hard to see him in so much pain and we couldn't help at all. As an in-law though, I didn't know Don as well, so in a way, it was also a time of getting to know him better. It's hard to see such a big strong dad in so much pain and vulnerability; I felt a lot closer after that experience. This picture was taken on the second day, which was the worst, but Don was still able to muster up some ginormous smiles for the camera. What a trooper!
Ellie didn't go on the trip with us, but Uncle David and Don gave Ellie and Cora their bears they received after surgery. Ellie loves her new bear, which she calls "boo," thank you Uncle David!! Ellie's says "transplant recipient." It'll be fun to have something to remember that miracle.
It was such a blessing to be able to be there to support both Don and David. I loved getting to know the extended family better. It was so comforting to see both families certain this was the right thing to do, and leaning fully on Jesus through every step. Instead of being a time of scared anticipation, if was a time of growing closer together, excitement, and thanksgiving for such a wonderful miracle.
Last night, Kathy called and said both Don and David were able to go home. They are staying in Denver until they are fully recovered, but I'm sure it will be nice to be out of the hospital. Don and Kathy will be able to go home in the next week, and David and Lori will stay in Denver for the next three months in order to monitor David and figure out medications. When we left, Uncle David's creatinine level was at a 2 (a normal person's is about a 1). Before his surgery, it was all the way up to a 4! This entire trip was such a blessing and a huge miracle! Thank you for all your prayers!
*Since I forgot my camera, these pictures were all taken by Jess. Thank you, Jess, for letting me use them!*
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