If I don’t ask “Why me?” after my victories, I cannot ask “Why me?” after my setbacks and disasters. ( Arthur Ashe )
As usual, I’m multitasking, poorly. The image of sweeping the beach at low tide hits me. The tide comes in before I’ve put the broom back in the closet. A missing cell phone. A forgotten load of wash—from last night waiting to be spun. My husband’s TED hose soaking in the sink. I wonder how fast I can dry them. He needs them now.
The phone rings. Shannon asks how I am and then says she has good news. She is getting a new kidney. Today. At 1:30.
Wow! Shannon has been alive because dialysis has been giving her some good days.
Shortly after the designated gift of life is expected, she calls again. The match is not as complete as it is supposed to be. I hold my breath. She remains calm.
“I’m still at the top of the list.”
The top of the list. The top of the transplant list. She sees blessings despite big-time disappointment.
Top-of-the-list for a transplant means imminent need. Yet, Shannon wastes no time with why-me.
The tide of confusion continues inside the house. It will end. Eventually. In the meantime, sun reaches through the window. Hope arrives. Her name is Shannon Owens.
terrypetersen 