Sunday, September 12, 2010

"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!

7 comments:

  1. That's awesome Tati! I bet it felt great to have some support from people that know exactly what your going through. Can I share your blog with friends and family on fb?

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  2. Thanks Juani, definitely so nice and reassuring too. The blog is fb ready so feel free to share with anyone!

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  3. I'm so bummed I missed it, would have loved to walk it with you. Next year, we will walk and give others support. It will be a time to reach out to others. Thanks for sharing sweetheart! Love you!

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  4. I dont know how you do it, but you make me cry as hard as Im laughing in almost all of your posts. I wish so badly that I could be with you that day too. Just know that you are never far from my thoughts and prayers. I need to video my kids praying for you and your dad each night and send it to you. You guys are never far from their thoughts as well. I love you and am so inspired by you.

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  5. Tatiana! I love the blog. I read and don't know when to cry or laugh. I'm so proud of you. You are such an amazing person. You and your family mean so much to me, and I'm so thankful to have y'all in my life for all these years. I'll be thinking of you and checking in regularly. :) Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Miss you and love you!! xoxo

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  6. I'm so happy to hear that you too are conflicted with the crying/laughing emotions!! Even though we are all far away and in different states and countries, I feel so connected by reading your comments and I know in my heart that you will be thinking of us. I love you all!

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  7. Honey through this blog, you have touched so many lives in so many ways. It has been indeed, "Love in Action". My girls are work started the "21 day fast" with me on Monday. They have been praying also for you and your daddy. Family and friends of their friends have joined us through fasting and praying. God's work is amazing and so complete. He chose you to be an example. Love you mucho hijita!!!

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