"It's Time" = Auto Cue for Tati to Cry

David and I participated in the annual Liver walk this weekend here in San Jose. We joined the LeClaire team, whose story I’ve mention in my previous post. They were celebrating their 5 year anniversary of sharing a liver and both Jay and Randy are completely healthy and radiated with love for life. It was so inspiring and comforting to hear so many stories, meet so many courageous people that have gone through all walks of life and yet we had all gathered for one common cause. During the 3 mile walk, there were facts posted along the trail that gave statistics and information about Liver disease. I think it was the perfect cram session for me to learn and gain awareness of things that I never knew about. Since my reading choices typically include People or gossip magazines, I rarely take the time to read up on the stats of liver disease, so this was the perfect morning as I get ready to leave California this week.

Not only did this walk help me learn some new things, it also gave me my first interaction with another living liver donor. Jay was so gracious to talk and just answer all the questions I had about his experience. His wife and son also shared their side of the story and filled in the gaps that Jay didn’t really remember about his first few days after the surgery. I just wanted to listen and absorb everything they were telling me and all the tips they were sharing with us. There was one moment where I finally felt my stomach drop and felt like everything became real. Jay mentioned that the hardest thing for him was having to say goodbye to his family before they took him to the surgery room. Since there are so many unknowns on what can happen, they prepared for the worst case scenario and all these preparations were hard on him and his kids. As soon as he told me this, I fast forwarded two weeks and thought how I was going to be strong when it came my time to go into that operating room. I can only keep praying that I will continue to carry this peacefulness in my heart and know that everything will be ok.

So here is my disclaimer/warning for all of those that will be at the hospital with us in a few weeks: It is quite likely that I will cry and maybe lose it just a tiny bit as the doctors and anesthesiologist approach and tell me “It’s time.” BUT have no fear and just know that I have a tendency to cry and get emotional when such announcements are made. All my bridesmaids can attest to this as I cried on my wedding day when the wedding planner came to announce that “It was time” to go upstairs and start the ceremony! My photographer even captured this emotional moment as my bridesmaids told me to stop crying to avoid ruining my make up before the wedding even started. Awww, that was a great day!!

Lorena and Randi coming to the rescue to save the make-up!