That in itself is just not possible. Simple thanks. It sounds easy to those that want to hear it - members of the families who have chosen to donate a loved one's organs - but being the recipient of an organ transplant, the phrase "simple thanks" just cannot possibly be enough.

I am grateful for the opportunity to feel this way; to feel the inadequacy. I certainly would not be alive to be writing to all of you, all donor families, if it were not for the generosity and enlightenment of your gift to me. I would still be, if alive, tied to a machine that tried to give some percentage of kidney function back to me 3 times a week, 4 hours at a time. If alive, I would still be suffering from the disease of Type I diabetes, from which so many people never recover. In fact, I would have been a forgotten statistic.

Instead, I am a living positive statistic! A surviving, and surviving very well! Double organ pancreas and kidney transplant recipient. I have more than normal kidney function; better than many with their two natural kidneys. I am no longer and insulin-dependent, diet restricted debilitated diabetic. I am physically active in both my personal life with family and friends and in my community. I have been given a second chance at a better quality of life and I am using it to it's full potential. I travel, enjoy visiting many new places and friends. I can enjoy being with my large family on holidays and special occasions. I can work on the computer and can attempt to learn the acoustic guitar! I truly do enjoy walking everyday in my neighborhood and in walking events.

I try to be cognizant of the fact every day of the loss your family suffered and the gift I was given. I have to admit that receiving the transplant changed my attitude about my life, my goals, my responsibilities to educate others and to be an example. I take it all very seriously but I do take the time to appreciate and enjoy this life now too. I feel better right now, at this point in my life, than I ever remember feeling. It is a rare thing.

So ... a simple "Thank you!"

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