Donate Life 2019

I am constantly humbled and it continues to astonish me when individuals are awe-struck that I donated a kidney to a seeming stranger 7 years ago. After all, Mariama is from Niger, Africa and I the United States. As I discovered, none of us are really strangers. We are friends and family members who just haven’t met yet. Mariama and I now consider ourselves sisters. As a matter of fact, I recently had my DNA tested. 80% of my bloodline comes from the very region where Mariama calls home. So, it has become no surprise that when I was tested to see if I was a match, it was the perfect match.  

I believe that giving is receiving. I have received  bountifully since January 11, 2011. 7 years ago. Not material gifts; but rather vast amounts of wisdom, insight, strength, joy, happiness and appreciation. This experience has enhanced my life and my perceptions in so many incredible ways. I’ll share a few with you.

• Live everyday as if it is your last. It may just be. Tomorrow is not certain or guaranteed.
• Don't take yourself too seriously. Giggle
• Be of service. It doesn’t have to be major. Lend a helping hand. Hold open a door. Help someone with their groceries. Ask to help a frazzled Mom whose child is having a tantrum in the mall. Listen
• Smile as much as you can but laugh even more. Not only does it make you and others around you feel good it is the best medicine and adds years to your life.
• Your time is valuable. Don't waste it on people/things that don't bring you joy.
• Don't buy into the pressure and stress of holidays. Find your own true meaning.
• Let go of resentments and grudges. It takes two to be in conflict. You are only hurting yourself. Opt out.
• Be strong! Be Brave and listen to your own intuition. No one can stand up for you better than you.
• “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” Fight for your truth, DAMN IT. It may not be immediate but truth prevails.
• #METOO
• Get inspired or get depressed. Either way it’s your choice. 
• Be accountable for everything in your life. You created it. Enough with the finger pointing. It’s all a reflection.
• Karma works both ways. It can be a bitch or a blessing. How do you want it served?.
• Be unwavering and uncompromising on what you know to be true. But, you don’t have to always be right. Being happy, joyful and loving takes precedent.
• Face, dominate and overcome your deepest fears. Freedom is on the other side. Freedom is fierce.

 In accordance, my life has become enriched beyond measure with the joys and pleasures of being free. Free to be who I am. It’s not always perfect. But when I get it right, Its the best bad-ass feeling in the galaxy.

So, as we celebrate year 7, I’m more grateful than ever that Mariama came into my life. Our experience has taught me so much. Mariama, I live for the continued wisdom and joy of having you in my life and the experience we share.  You are the love of my life. Je t'embrasse très fort.

I will thank you every day of my like because your love is one of my life’s greatest gifts. Happy 5th Anniversary.

According to the Mayo Clinic More than 120,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. Nearly 2,000 of those are children. Every 10 minutes another name is added to the national waiting list. An average of 18 people die each day in the United States waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs.


January 11, 2011 I made the very clear decision to donate life to a wonderful woman from Niger Africa. We knew not of each other however, both had an indescribable and powerful dream just prior our meeting. Where did we meet? At a party in late September 2010. We spoke to each other for a few minutes and an overwhelming sense of "this is your purpose" came over me. Within a week of being poked and prodded for tests we received the news that I was a match for a kidney donation. Many serendipitous events revealed that this meeting was predestined and all I had to do was follow the guidance given. Which I did without hesitation.

Months of testing both physical and psychological. Yes, I had to speak with a hospital psychologist to determine why or if I was crazy for doing this. Because "healthy black woman just don't donate their organs." He obviously didn't know me.

The clearest validation for me was: My son Theo took me to the party. Theo is named after my father Theodore. When I was 9 Theodore (Ted) died of kidney failure as a result of long-term diabetes. Theo and Mariama share the same birthday. That is one of many "reveals" during this process.


January 11, 2015. Here we are 5 years later. All continues to be well. I see Mariama twice a year when she comes back to the states for her medical visits. Last I saw her she was happier and healthier than ever. I won't see her again until October 2016. Her visits are now once a year because of the successful donation.

I love you Mariama. I thank you everyday of my life because your love is one of my greatest gifts.




Today, I have a stronger connection to my source than ever before. I live life everyday as if it were my last and on my terms. My priorities align themselves quickly and clearly. I see the beauty in everyone and everything. My children often stop in amazement at how I managed to extent another human beings life. I am amazed that more people don't.


Thea

Celebrate Anniversary #4....Health, Love and Gratitude .

What can be said that already hasn't? In this 4th Anniversary that  Mariama and I celebrate. I'd like to ask one favor for all who has followed and read about this journey of love: Please consider that when you give to those who are vulnerable and most in need, you're not only giving to them but you are also giving to yourself and humanity.


"Thank you all for all the sweet words of encouragement and wishes you send our way. God will protect and guide us all this coming year." 
                                                          Mariama 

"Until we meet again, wishing you all the love, peace, happiness and joy that you desire. Cheers."                                                                                                                  Thea

                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                             

Happy 2nd Anniversary: A wonderful reunion

2011                              2012                             2013 

It's been 2 years since this journey started. It is so great to see Mariama who has come back to the USA from Niger Africa, looking so good and doing so well. Her follow up exams are good and her transplant Dr. is pleased. That pleases me. 

I'm often asked how I feel after the kidney donation and I can say with complete honesty, I've never felt better!

Today I am a changed person because of this journey.

Celebrate Life While We're Alive. Happy Birthday Mariama

Happy 60th birthday  to my Sister and Dear Friend Mariama who
shares the same birthday as my Theo. How could I not compose a new post to commemorate your 60 years and Theo's coming of age as a teenager.

 What more can be said? We've said it all. We're just around the corner (2 months)  from celebrating our 4th anniversary.

It's has been a nice summer having you so close.
One day, I hope to travel to Niger to meet the rest of my family.

Happy Healthy and full of Love

Good Friends

An Unbreakable Bond

I am as glad that you were able to meet my friends who have heard of our story and have waited a long time to meet you.  I look forward to celebrating more years of life together.   Bon Anniversaire!

Happy Anniversary

1 year!  Wow … already. I am thankful for this divine opportunity given to us.  You never know what anything is for. I didn’t see the events of one year ago coming at the time, nor did I know why they were happening … in retrospect I can see that untold blessings would be poured out from ‘above’.  The biggest blessings are immeasurable: such as the way my heart feels and how my attitude towards life has shaped in this year. What a year! A year later I am so thankful for the opportunity given to me.  I am ever thankful for amazing new friendships, great health and a sense of peace that ALL IS WELL.

I would not want to exclude any of the many who have blessed me but I would like to highlight the  friendship of Mariama and her immediate family, the Bobbetts, whose overwhelming  love, friendship and support leave me in awe… THANK YOU.  The blessings which have resulted from the ‘giving’ make it abundantly clear that the ‘giving’ was the precursor to endless ‘receiving’.  This experience has demonstrated that giving and receiving are so closely and inextricably linked that they are ultimately one and the same.  What you put out you receive back 10 fold.

The life lesson is to be open to every possibility life offers because we can never see at the time how one event may lead to another. Thank you for sharing this journey with me and I send all my love to you all!

Thea