Most of you know that I struggled with the idea of turning 29 and having to come to terms that I had officially entered into my last year of my 20s. I'm still uncertain as to why the idea of turning 30 makes me feel slightly gloomy or why this would be a negative thing at all! Maybe it's just the realization that ten years just flew by and how quickly another ten can pass by again. I can definitely say that my 20s were all about learning, evolving, and taking many leaps of faith. Every decision that I made has brought me to this exact moment and made me the person I have become so far. Despite my negative thoughts of no longer being in my 20s, I always knew that I wanted to end this year with doing something that would be special. Last year, I told David that I wanted to take a big trip to Europe, make a commitment to run a marathon, or engage in something fabulous! I wanted to make sure that I spent my last year in my 20s doing significant things and doing one thing that I could reflect on for the rest of my life.
It's no coincidence that I had this seed planted in my heart that I wanted to do something significant and special this year. Little did I know or could ever imagine that my "special something" before turning 30 would be to give my dad another chance at life. Less than a month from my 30th birthday, we'll be doing the surgery and I'm hopeful that this will be a new beginning for both me and my dad. There was no hesitation that I wanted to start testing and seeing if I could be his living liver donor. After months of testing and trips to New York, we finally got the news that we could move forward with scheduling the surgery.
I know that every child God creates has a meaning and purpose in life. I'm grateful that it was God's exact plan to keep me healthy these past 29 years and his plan to give me peace in my heart that is preparing me to help my daddy. Turning 30 is not looking so bad after all!
That was so beautifully stated. Its great to have some insight to how your feeling and to know that your mind is at ease and in such a positive place.
ReplyDeleteYou know as I get older I appreciate my parents so much more and realize just how much they sacrificed for me. I always wonder what I could do to ever show my dad just how much I love him and appreciate every sacrifice he has done for me....with that said here you are doing just that. How amazing that you have chosen to do such a grand act of love for your dad.
as i get older Tati; I realize birthdays are accounted for by number. We are as young as we feel; I may be 60 now but i sure see myself a lot younger. ha reading your goals can always be overshadowed by events the good Lord has planned for you. I truly believe he had plans for your 30th birthday; giving a gift of love to your father; and that my dear far outcrys any goal we set in life.
ReplyDeleteeurope; a trip to europe is on us; whenever we can get you and david allen on a plane ride for 9 hours to brussels belgium; we are on our way; you two just say when. dayle and i could spend one week with you showing you all the places he saw when he was lttle; then we come home and you guys spend another week on your own trip making memories of a life time. you will not want to come home. i am sure there are Cisco companies everywhere over there. we wanted to take you guys this xmas but put that on calendar instead for next year; your 30th year of celebrating.
we really meant it when we said a trip is on us just let us know when you both can go.
That's awesome that you guys can do that for them (this is Sheila right?....if so, Hi Sheila!).....take the gift Tati!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh My! My eyes are wet from reading all the beautiful acts of kindness and love. I feel honored to be part of this family. Tati, there is no doubt in my mind and heart that God does have a special plan for each and everyone of us. What you are doing by giving your Dad a second chance at extending his life and perhaps stop the pain, is not only amazing, incredible, remarkable but a display of true and unconditional LOVE that can only exist between a child and parent or viceversa.
ReplyDeleteI am sure, that was Sheila and there again is TRUE LOVE at its best. You all are amazing people who I am so blessed to know so well and love so much.
Tati we will continue to pray for you and your Dad and David we are here for you too. Anything we can do for any of you, please let us know. We love you all, Teresita and Collin
Tati reading your block I cried and laugh; I can see the reflection of my brother's heart and Ira. You are so blessed having the kind of parents God choose for you, I remember my brother taking nites shift so he can be with you and not another person taking care of you. And this acts of love is just one that I remember so clear, I know there are many more, but also your mom, I not only admire but treasure, I thank God for the kind of person she is; faithfull, caring, servant, ...funny; and again this is just a few of the virtuos that she has, there are many more. But not all the good parents has the blessing of having kids like you. Gloria and you Tati, are examples the kind of kid all parents desire to have. Many people don't understand what Gloria and you are doing, but later when all this stay behind in your past, and they'll see God using your life to give him more days to live, to accomplish His Plan and purpose for this life, and see why needed to be that way, they will see God's Hands in all of this. A message of Love written by the Hand of the Creator.
ReplyDeleteI have also cried, balled my eyes out, laughed, grinned, and cried some more when I read all of it(and it's every day). No doubt Tati that when you get your hands on something, it's always sooo glamourous. This reminds me of the wedding newsletter we were always so anxious to receive. You are excited about this new step in your life and I'm so proud of you. Your act of bravery, love and sacrifice is totally in tune of who you have grown up to be my sweet Tati. I would have also done the same for my brother. Like you, I have always experienced his tender love and nothing gives me more satisfaction than to see him well, and happy next to his loved ones. His devotion to each one of you along with Ira has always been so remarkably.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that we have been so blessed for the many friends and family that surround our lives every day. David, know that we are here for you honey. We love you for being Tati's other half.