Amazing people who do amazing things - Part 1

I am the youngest of three girls in my family of origin.  My sisters are 5 and 7 years older than me.  I have always looked up to my two older sisters, who, despite the obligatory teasing and tormenting that comes with having a younger sibling, have always looked out for me.  In addition to looking out for me, they have always looked out for others.  Their kindness and caring hearts for those who have less than they or those who need a helping hand, have always inspired me. They still inspire me to this day. 

Sheri, is the middle sister in our family.  She has always been the responsible one.  The driven one.  The type A one (in a good way. Ha.).  She makes sure we get places on time, that we have a clean house, and that we do the things we need to do.  Don't get me wrong - she also knows how to have fun.  We always laugh together, and can talk about anything under the sun.  She's easy to get along with, kind, and has the heart of a servant.  Just like our mother.   

She's fiercely compassionate, softer than she sometimes appears, and has a quiet courage that is unlike any I've ever known. 

Sheri had an old co-worker who she reconnected with when she moved back to Lynchburg, VA in 2007.  This friend, I'll call her "Sara," was a single mom with two young children, and she had kidney problems.  In the last few years, Sara's health had declined and Sheri had been helping her with many things: taking care of the children so she could rest; cleaning her house; taking her to get groceries; and other things that Sara had difficulty doing in caring for herself and her two children. 

Sheri shared the huge news with us last summer, that she was feeling a heavy burden in her heart for Sara. That she was feeling called to give more than her time, love, and help to Sara.  She wanted Sara to have a chance at  life again... to be restored to full health and given an opportunity to be there for her children.  Sara was on the mile-long waiting list for a new kidney.  Sheri decided she would get tested to find out if she was a match for Sara.

As it turns out, Sheri was not a match.  However, if she donated her kidney to someone else who she was matched with on the list, the hospital would bump Sara up on the list and greatly increase her chances of receiving a new kidney.  A new chance at life, before her failing kidney gave out for good.  Sheri decided this is what she was going to do.  She had a heart-to-heart talk with each of us family members, and made it clear that she needed our support.  She was going to do it regardless, but our understanding and support was important to her.

Later in the summer (before Sheri had the chance to donate), we received the devastating news that Sara had gotten a serious infection.  The complications from the infection were too much for her body to handle, and she didn't make it.  Sheri was heartbroken... suffering the loss of her dear friend, and understandably heavy with sadness for Sara's children. 

A few months later during a phone call with my sister, she informed me that the strong calling and heavy burden that she felt to help her friend Sara had not gone away with her passing.  I silently did a double take, and asked her to repeat what she had just said.  Yes - it was true: 

My sister was going to have surgery to remove one of her vital body organs, to give it to someone that she does not know.  Someone ill, in desperate need of a kidney, so that they might have a chance at life.  Because she has two, and she needs only one.  

She has been getting tested, prepped, and tested some more over the last several weeks/months.

Her surgery will take place next week, on Tuesday, July 10th.  

Holy cow.  Words cannot describe the simultaneous concern and awe and so much else that I feel for my sister's decision.  It was amazing and self-less and beautiful and more, when she wanted to do it to save her friend's life. Now, to do it for a stranger in loving memory of her friend, is more than my puny human consciousness can fathom. 

I try to put myself in her shoes.... to understand her heart and mind.  And the only thing that I can come up with is that I don't think I could EVER do what she is doing.  I keep thinking, that I can sacrifice my emotional health for someone else.  I could give of my heart and soul and mind to help someone in need... but to go under the knife so that someone else may have a chance to be restored to life?   I am not strong enough.  The thought of it causes me to break out in a sweat, and fear to permeate my being.

What my sister is doing is a true testament to the beauty, strength, and grace of her character.  To do something this great, this life-changing for someone else.  Someone she doesn't know.  Someone she doesn't need to know.  And asking for nothing in return.  Despite the physical discomfort or fears of the unknown. I knew my sister was strong before.  But now, I'm overcome with awe and admiration. 

So today, I put aside my human thoughts, concerns, and fears, and recognize this rare display of sacrificial love that she is about to embody.

And I support her always.  

All things considered,  my sister Sheri is my inspiration.  She reminds me that life is short.  And we all have different roles on this earth.  And that we all have more than we need.  She reminds me that doing what is comfortable is no match for doing something great.  And that that could mean something different to everyone. 

P. S. If you would, please keep my sister and her doctors and her kidney recipient in your thoughts or prayers next week.  It would mean so much.  Thank you...