During class on Thursday. My professor allowed me to stand up in front of the class and speak about the importance of organ donation. In addition I made little goodie bags of Mike and Ike’s with organ donation cards attached by a green ribbon and handed out other organ donation paraphernalia. My friend Mary provided cookies and cupcakes for the party and everyone sang happy birthday.
-Mandy
That year, winter in NY lingered lazily into April. Living alone and legally blind, I had tended to remain indoors much of the time.
Finally, one day the chill was gone and spring stepped forth, filling the air with a penetrating and exhilarating fragrance. Outside my backyard window, a merry little bird kept chirping persistently, almost beckoning me outdoors.
Aware of the capriciousness of April, I clung to my winter coat, but concession to the change in temperature, discarded my wool scarf, hat and gloves. Taking my three-pronged cane, I stepped out cheerfully onto my open porch leading directly to the sidewalk. Lifting my face to the sun, I gave it a welcoming smile in acknowledgement of its warmth and promise.
As I walked down my quiet dead-end street, my next door neighbor called out a musical “Hello” and asked if I wanted a lift to where I was going. “No, thank you” I called back in return. “These legs of mine have been resting all winter, and my joints are badly in need of an outing, so I think I will walk.”
Reaching the corner, I waited, as was my habit for someone to come along who would let me walk across with them when the light turned green. It seemed to take somewhat longer than usual for the sound of traffic to cease, yet I had no offers. As I stood there patiently, I began to hum a tune that returned to me from somewhere in the back of my head. It was a “welcome to spring” song that I had learned in school as a child.
Suddenly, a strong, well-modulated masculine voice spoke up. “You sound like a very cheery human being”. it said “May I have the pleasure of your company across the street?” Flattered by such chivalry, I nodded, smiling, whispering a barely audible “Yes.”
Gently he tucked his hand around my upper arm and together we stepped off the curb. As we slowly made our way, we talked about the most obvious topic- the weather-and about how good it was to be alive on such a day. As we kept in step together; it was difficult to determine who was the guide and who was the one being led.
We had barely reached the other side of the crossing, when horns impatiently began blasting forth again at was assuredly a change in the light. We walked on a few more paces to get away from the curb . Turning to him, I opened my mouth to thank him for his assistance and company. Before a single word had left my lips, he spoke up. “I don’t know if you realize,” he said “how gratifying it is to find someone as cheerful as you to accompany a blind man like me across the street.”
Excerpt from Small Miracles: Extraordinary Coincidences from Everyday Life
Yitta Halberstan and Judith Leventhal
Story by Charlotte Wechsler
Hello! Today Mike and Ike turn two years old. I planned on having a letter for my unknown donor family completed, but it is so difficult to do. There are so many things I want to tell the family, but there are few words in the english language that will fit. But I am very thankful for their decision.
I am spending the night at home tonight relaxing. The last few weeks have been difficult because there is so much going on. School is going well. I love my classes, but they are time consuming. Plus I recently decided to move back to Saint Louis which is a MAJOR decision. It is going to be difficult to move back after being here in southern California for five years–The weather is gorgeous, mainly like spring in Saint Louis ALL OF THE TIME. And the people I have me are really great! Many negative things have been said about Angelinos, but the people are not like that. Just like everywhere in the world there are jerks. And the best thing you can do about jerks is do not surround yourself with them and ignore them. I will truly miss Los Angeles, but I know that moving back to Saint Louis is the right choice for me at this point in time.
I am sad to say Scott, Harry and possibly Sosa will be staying in LA when I head east. The Harry, Scott & I have been together for nine years. Sosa has been with the three of us for five years. Like I said it is very sad…..
Well, I can not end on a sad note since it is Mike and Ike’s birthday…
(Before May 12 ‘04) (After June ‘04 — Just chillin’)
Transplant (by Scott Kaestner)
a day only dreamt of
no longer a dream
for it is here and now
to fear a future in doubt-yet it’s still time to go
down a winding road
forever turning
churning destiny
always unknown
what lies ahead
moment by moment
having one hope
forever
hope
revolving a lone desire
to look forward to
many new
tomorrows, tomorrows, tomorrows
(a new day)
-Mandy
Wow two years is coming up this Friday –
I am so happy to have the opportunity to enjoy each and everyday since the suregery. I think I will get a huge bag of Mike and Ikes with donor cards this week. Organ Donation is such an imporant issue and really needs to be addressed in the community. It seems that many people are unsure of transplant rules and policies. I hope to change that!