Mick McKellar Update--Day +68
A quiet day has turned somber, embracing the gray overcast that touches my eye and drapes a leaden light across my mind. News from home has been filled with the deaths of four friends this week. For Marian and for me, their passing was unexpected, at least so soon.
Such tidings serve to enhance the feeling of distance, the feeling of helplessness to share the loss or celebrate their lives with those who feel it most keenly.
Mortality reminder
Living in Rochester, MN, I hardly need a reminder of how terribly tenuous life can be. Sirens whine and bark at all hours of the day and night here, helicopters fly in to St. Mary's, and more than once the EMT, Paramedics, and first responders arrive at Gift of Life Transplant House in response to a 911 call.
Each day, my own protocols and treatments remind me that, despite the wonders of modern medicine, my life and state of health depends upon a delicate balancing act between cells that are trying to destroy my own organs and medications that block that action and seek to heal damage already done.
The same is true for the majority of the transplant patients here at Gift of Life -- we all chose to embark on a dangerous and risky treatment rather than simply allow our illnesses to terminate our lives without a fight. None of us have a guarantee of either cure or long life. Each day is a gift from God, each battle won is evidence that we still have purpose and reason to live, each new challenge is a chance to fight on.
Nearly every other transplant patient I have talked to tells me the same thing: "I know the risks and the dangers, but the alternative was simply unacceptable." I witness courage and compassion here that salve my soul. I witness acts of faith in the face of heart-breaking set backs that strengthens my spirit. I witness life fighting on in the face of death -- quietly, even silently.
Tonight, I shall reflect on all the gifts and days I have been given and offer up prayers of thanks for each and every one. I also thank you all for your communications which bring us a bit closer to home.
God bless and good night,
Mick