Our Year - 2010
Jamie
Well, this has been one interesting year! I’m still singing with Swing Shift and the worship team as well as speaking and mentoring women. An exciting speaking opportunity came my way when I was flown out to Washington D.C. to present a workshop for our denomination’s national women’s convention. It was great to revisit our nation’s capital and I learned a lot about convention speaking – which is VERY different than event speaking!
Most of the year, however, was pretty low key as in February we found out that my “someday” kidney transplant was more of a “now” situation (I went from 21% functioning to 16% in five days!). After eight very kind, generous people were ruled out because of my persnickety antibodies (and one week before the surgery to put in a dialysis port) my dear friend Heather turned out to be my match. In August we had the surgery and it went off without a hitch. Praise God, the kidney still looks great and I get stronger every day.
This experience had been amazing and humbling. It amazes me that my friend was willing to give me the gift of life; willing to receive permanent scars where she had none; willing to go through pain and suffering for me when she would get nothing in return. It’s humbling that she considered my life worth all of that. I still have problems getting my mind around it. But then it occurred to me that I also struggle to get my mind around God’s love – and this is what Heather and so many other dear friends and family showed to me through this experience. Through her precious gift, all of the cards we received, the countless meals, presents, prayers, and words of love and encouragement, Troy, the kids and I got to experience Christian fellowship at its best: God showing His love for us through the dear people He’s placed in our lives.
Yes, this year has been one of great thanksgiving for many, many things: Another year on this earth, never needing dialysis, a relatively smooth recovery, but most of all, for the people in my life. So, if you are reading this, know that YOU are my greatest gift this year!
All my love, Jamie
