The Introduction

This past May, we received information about my brother. Over numerous amounts of testing, it was decided that he would need a kidney transplant. I was sitting on the couch as my mother got off the phone. She looked upset and distracted, so I asked what was wrong. She told me the news and without any thought, I said, "I'm going to do it." It never crossed my mind what I would be getting myself into, but all I knew at the time was, this is my brother, and I need to do it for him. Coming from a family of 6 kids and being the only girl, I've grown up in an unusual circumstance compared to most, now a days. Though I was picked on, and at the time, it felt more like harassment, I would no doubt give everything I have to all of them, if it came down to it. It just so happens that this particular one, Jonathan, needed a kidney.

The only drawback when I found out was the fact that I was not yet 18, and according to the law, I must be of age to make this decision. It felt like forever, but on the day of my birthday, I was able to make the call. At the time, the process seemed to go by slowly; two weeks between each testing, each phone call. But now, it seemed to fly by, and so the process of elimination has begun.

I've started this blog to get my feelings out, knowing that Jon and I both have a major support system, but at times, we are both going to be isolated, alone, in the process. I was also told that, because of it being such a life changing experience, I should record any possible feelings and/or thoughts I have during the process, pre and post operation.