
Last night, I got some new running shoes as a late birthday present from my wonderful wife. They are the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn, and the great people at Metro Walk & Run did an amazing job of fitting me in a shoe I never would have found on my own. I couldn't wait until this morning to try them out...so the dog and I got up early, cranked up the IPod, and headed outside to get some exercise.
I started off at my usual walk...then to a brisk one...then lengthened my stride while increase the pace...and finally up to a full jog. This may not see like a large achievement to some of you...but it was a true milestone for me.
You see, it was this weekend two years ago that I began dialysis treatments for my kidney failure. Before that, I had been going to the gym 4-5 times a week and in the best shape I had been in for years. Once I was diagnosed, I needed to limit my exercise since the permanent catheter in my neck was prone to infection and the tip of it stopped right above my heart. Even if that wouldn't have been a concern, the anemia from the kidney failure made me unable to even keep a pace that would give me some cardio benefit. Jogging the length of the sidewalk in front of my house left me short of breath.
One of the most frustrating things about living with end stage renal disease is what it takes from you physically. I couldn't do many things I easily did before, and the lack of energy just left me feeling sapped all the time. Honestly, I forgot how it felt to feel good.
This past April, my good friend Shelley literally gave of herself and blessed me with one of her perfectly functioning kidneys. They recommended that I begin walking as soon as I could, but the stitches in my abdomenial muscles really made it hard to do much more than a slow mosey. My wife was outpacing for the first time ever, for pete's sake! But as the last few months passed by, I've been able to do more and more, and feeling more back to my old self every day.
Today, when I could feel my heart pumping, my lungs working hard, and the burning in my leg muscles, I welcomed them. When the sweat started to pour, it actually felt great. When I felt "the wall" that always arrives when I work out, I was a amazing thing to just push through it and keep going like I used to be able to do. When I finished, I sat on my back patio for a bit as I took my shoes off and caught my breath...and with tears in my eyes, said a quiet prayer to God thanking Him for His perfect timing of this very precious gift, and for the friend who followed God's lead to share herself with me. I finally have the freedom to run, to do all those things that I haven't been able to for two years. It was taken..but now it has been returned, and I'll never take it for granted again.
If you would have seen me out this morning, you wouldn't have been impressed with my form, speed, or length of my little run...but to me, it felt like I just won the Boston Marathon. I can't wait to get back out and do it again tomorrow....and the next day...and the next.
If you're not already an organ donor, I strongly encourage you to consider doing so next time you renew your license. I know the benefits personally from my live donor, but have met so many along the way who have recieved a second chance from someone who took just a minute to check a box at the license branch. Honestly, if you're gone, you can't take them with you...but you can give them to a number of families waiting desperately for them.
Shelley, if you're reading this.....thank you SO much. Not only did you save my life...you've given it back to me. Words can't express the joy I felt not only this morning, but every day.
Here's hoping you all have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend...and that you find joy in the little things today.



