About a month ago, I had this spontaneous idea to fly to Chicago to meet two very special ladies... my donor mentors. I couldn't think of a better way to ring in the new year, than to celebrate it with two women that have made such an impact in my life. Both of these women reside in Chicago and it just seemed so perfect for me to take advantage of their proximity to one another. I called Cara Yesawich and asked her what she thought. Kinda weird calling someone you've never met and basically inviting yourself to stay with them for a few days to celebrate New Year's Eve. Just as I expected, she was more than happy to have me and I immediately contacted my other mentor, Robyn Wheatley, to let her know of my plans, hoping she would be just as receptive. She was. I bought my tickets the next day and since then, it was almost all I could think about.
The opportunity to meet these women was something I never really thought would ever happen. I decided that I need to begin making these important moments in my life start happening. I have a habit of saying "I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do that..." and I never do any of it. It's all well thought out, but it never really happens. Shame on me. Life is too short and I have decided that when something means that much to me, I need to do everything possible to bring it to fruition. I was scheduled to depart Albany on Thursday afternoon, and then return on Sunday afternoon. A nice long weekend with two very beautiful women and an opportunity to tear up the Windy City into 2011, together - the three' kidney sisters.'
My trip never happened. Cara called several days ago to tell me that she was needed to care for a dear friend who had become ill. I could hear it in her voice how hesitant she was to tell me, for fear of disappointing me and ruining our New Year's Eve plans. She was right, I was disappointed. I was disappointed that I would not be able to see her and Robyn. But, I was relieved and not all that surprised that she didn't hesitate to come to the need of her friend. Cara is one of the most selfless people I know. Of course I would understand and quite honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. She needs to be with her friend, and canceling my flight took all of 3 minutes. No big deal. I will reschedule for a trip in Spring and explore the city with them when we can wear our flip-flops instead of our snowsuits.
Friday afternoon I decided I would spend my New Year's attending a performance by Savion Glover performing locally here at The Egg . Three years ago I had tickets to see him and became violently ill at a pre-performance dinner with a friend and had to eat the tickets. I should have eaten the tickets, literally, then I wouldn't have barfed all over the place. So, when I saw he was going to be here on the 31st, I jumped at this opportunity to finally see him. What a phenomenal show! I find his talent fascinating to watch and the energy he exudes is amazing. Anyhow, I ended up having a wonderful evening, despite not being able to be with my friends.
I share this story with you because I think it's important to remind ourselves sometimes that life is full of disappointments. We can't always have things the way we want them, or when we want them, or even with whom we want them to be with. Sometimes we just get dealt the crappy hand. I decided to take advantage of my free night and spend it doing something that I knew would make me smile. And it did!
2011 is here now, and this new year once again brings some new opportunities to all of us. Take it one day at a time, and never forget that there is no dress rehearsal in life. I'm going to try my best to make some pretty damn good lemonade with the lemons life hands me.
2011
New challenges.
New beginnings.
New goals.
New heartaches.
New love.
New laughter.
New you.
• Have no regrets. The tragedy and triumph is what
makes us who we are.
• Read one news item a day that you have no interest in.
You'll learn something new.
• Be playful. It will give you a renewed sense of energy.
• Maintain balance, but never give up your indulgences.
Practice everything in moderation.
• Surround yourself with positive, open-minded people.
• Laugh. Laugh hard and loud.
• You can't take care of anyone else, unless you first
take care of yourself.
• Ignore your telephone, your cable and your email one day a month.
• Money will not buy happiness.
Some of the best memories in life will not cost you a dime.
• 'Please' and 'thank you' will go a long way... a very long way.
• We all have shortcomings. Pick one and commit to self-improvement.
• Work hard but play harder, and don't forget to rest.
• Brush your teeth three times a day... and smile.
• Start your day with a good stretch, a glass of water and
some humorous talk radio.
• Challenge and move your body, every day.
• Want less, accept more, and give the most.
• Maintaining your identity is the key to happiness.
Don't ever let anyone rob you of that.
• Celebrate without reasons.
• Pray. To whom or what is irrelevant.
• Take a vacation, by yourself.
• There is no excuse to be bored.
• Pay someone a compliment, with no expectation of gratitude.
• Listen to your heart, it can take you on some of
the most unforgettable journeys.
• Forget the ex-flames, and look forward to a new one...
yes, it will happen.
• Say 'no' to jealousy, it can suck the life right out of you.
• Discuss ideas and concepts, not people.
• Try something new that scares the hell out of you.
• Cherish your health - never take it for granted.
• Relationships come and go, but nothing will ever separate
the bond of a close friend.
• Love, love and love some more.
Until next time... embrace the challenges in 2011, be lucky you're alive to do so.
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Found your blog while googling info about kidney donation. I am scheduled to donate on the 21st of this month.
ReplyDeleteI am actually in the process of typing up a "users manual" for my kidney for my recipient. I am trying to make it humorous to help him feel better.
I am glad to find you and your information. I will be reading more in the next few days, I'm sure.