July 18, 2010 Hello! This is a letter that I have started, stopped and then re-started about four times previous to now, each time trying to find the words to express my gratitude for the gift you have given me. I decided on this fifth attempt to just let my heart speak for itself. I remember a while back, upon my first visits to Mayo Clinic for initial transplant consideration / consultation, the doctors and coordinators I spoke to at that time asked me, "is there anyone you can ask to donate a kidney to you?" I remember profoundly thinking to myself, "now just exactly HOW does a person ask someone for a kidney?" The doctors and coordinators made it sound like it was a simple, every day occurence. Sure, I guess when they deal with this kind of thing on a weekly basis, asking such of someone is considered commonplace. As for myself, well...I didn't see it that way. I just couldn't bring myself to ask something such as this of anyone, not even family. When I received the call from one of the coordinators at Mayo that a kidney had been found for me, I was speechless. I was driving at the time, and had to pull to the side of the road so as to better process all that was being told to me. I was in awe, a state of shock, and in tears all at the same time. To further learn that I was to be getting a live kidney brought a sense of elation to me that I have never experienced. I was slated to receive a cadaver kidney. More so, I began to think about the person out there - the complete stranger - who was doing this for me, someone they have never met. Then the tears REALLY came. Right then I began to ask as many questions as I possibly could about you, but was swiftly advised of your wish to remain anonymous. I respected that, yet remained amazed that there was a person out there actually willing and wanting to do this for me. To offer such a gift without a wish for even the SLIGHTEST bit of recognition in return? You just don't find that in people anymore. In my time of need, I found you. As I mentioned above, words have evaded me in previous attempts to write this letter. I feel that a simple "thank you" is just not enough. What you have done for me is you've given me my life back. You've given me the most precious, gracious gift that I will ever receive. You've given me a chance to continue working on my goals, and to pursue new dreams that were put on hold when I got sick. I smile a whole lot more these days, and have acquired an ability to appreciate the most simplest of things...all because of you. Without having to go to dialysis three times a week, for four hours a shot, it is as if I don't know what to do with all this extra time I have now - well, actually I do...and I firmly believe in "paying it forward". It is my turn now, such as you have so selflessly taken yours. Please be assured that the part of you that is now a part of me will be well cared for; it is my most prized posession. It has been many, many years since I have felt this good, and I owe it all to you! As time passes, I hope (more than anything) that I may get the chance to meet you, and express my gratitude to you in person. I will want you to see the person that YOU are responsible for creating, because with this new kidney, I cannot be anything other than great! Most of all, I will want to shake the hand of my new friend. You are in my thoughts every day...you always will be. Finally, thank you. I cannot express that enough. I have my life back...all because of you. :)