Blood Connections

 Jeff and our little rosebud, Rosemary (born May 5^th)

This moment made possible by Jeff’s donor, Nicole.

And, of course, Kerry and Theresa, and

the good Lord!

Last Friday, Jeff and I enjoyed talking to Nicole for almost an hour.  We put Jeff’s cell on speaker to save his fingers from cramping (as happened during their first call) which allowed me to participate in the conversation, too. 

We asked Nicole more questions about the donation process.  For instance, “Did you feel that Gift of Life prepared you for the process and your recovery?”  (This was a criticism we’d heard from another donor who said she did not feel cared for once the harvest took place.)  Nicole knew she would not be able to lift her one-year-old for two weeks and she expected the two-month recovery.  However, she was unprepared for the 2 ½ hour procedure.  And the anesthesia made her sick. 

“Were you able to enjoy your visit to New York at all or was it all hospital and hotel rooms?” we wanted to know.  She confessed to being “bullheaded,” determined to take advantage of two days in NY to tour with her mother.  They rode a bus and got off and on many times.  She admits it was probably not a good idea and that she should have rested.

“Was your mother very worried about you?” I asked but was pretty sure I already knew the answer.

“Oh, yes!” Nicole confirmed.  She is very close to her mother and they speak on the phone almost every day.

Conversation moved to her children who are adorable (we’ve seen them on Nicole’s Facebook page).  Kindness and generosity are taught early in Nicole’s family.  Her three-year-old daughter recently donated 10” of her hair to Locks of Love: http://www.locksoflove.org/

Nicole suggested that we take Theresa for a ride in a car with bad suspension to bring on labor.  As we wrapped up our conversation she reminded us to let her know when there is baby news.

It turns out that after a tiring day of flea-marketing with Kim and me on Saturday, Theresa decided to mow the lawn.  I guess their ride-on mower worked as well as Nicole’s suggestion because that evening labor pains began.  We are very happy to be members of the Grandparents Club.  To quote my brother, “It’s pretty awesome.”