Two and a half years ago, we packed up our life and moved to Michigan, ready to embrace a fresh start. It felt like a new beginning—a chance to build a brighter future for our little family. But life had its own plans, and what was meant to be a smooth transition quickly became one of the most challenging seasons of our lives.
My husband had been dealing with some persistent sinus issues and deep fatigue prior to the move. Once we got settled in our apartment, he continued to feel weaker and strength continued to fade, we grew more concerned. Something wasn’t right. I urged him to visit urgent care, hoping it was nothing serious.
When the blood work results came back, we were told to go to the nearest ER, and they revealed a reality we never expected: kidney failure. In an instant, our lives shifted. The doctors explained the severity of his condition and the urgent need for dialysis. It felt overwhelming, especially as we were still settling into our new life. The joy and optimism we felt about our move were replaced with fear and uncertainty.
Being far from family made the situation even harder. With no one close by to lean on, we were forced to navigate this storm on our own. The strain tested our marriage and our resolve as parents. Our then 3-year-old struggled to grasp what was happening. He didn’t understand why Daddy couldn’t play as much or why he was always so tired. Watching him try to help in his own innocent way—offering a hug, a favorite toy, or simply sitting quietly by his side—was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
There were moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable. Sleepless nights, endless medical appointments, and the pressure of trying to keep life “normal” for our child pushed us to our limits. But through it all, we held onto hope, faith, and each other.
Fast forward to today, and it feels like we’ve come out the other side of a long, dark tunnel. After almost 2 years of navigating dialysis and weighing our options, we learned that I had been approved and a direct match to donate my kidney to my husband. It felt like the answer to so many prayers.
The waiting game was unbearable as we looked forward to surgery. While most become nervous or anxious, we were filled with hope and excitement! Our experiences during the transplant and hospital stay was nothing short of amazing. As a deaf couple, we utilized ASL interpreters to help bridge the gap in communications. Thankful for the accessibility, we had them throughout his kidney journey and both of our hospital stays in which we had the opportunity to share a hospital room. It turned out to be one of the most healing and unforgettable parts of the entire experience.
Almost instantly, there was a change in him. The fatigue that had weighed him down for so long seemed to lift, and the color began to return to his face. His energy, even in those first few hours post-surgery, was noticeably better. It was like watching him come back to life right in front of me.
Every moment felt surreal. I saw him sit up faster than I could, smiling and cracking jokes, his personality shining through in a way it hadn’t for months. It was as if the kidney had given him a new lease on life, and I got a front-row seat to witness that transformation.
Today, my husband is thriving. His energy and strength continues rebuilding, and he’s able to be the father and partner he wants to be. Watching him play with our now 5-year-old, laughing and full of life, is a gift I’ll never take for granted.
This journey wasn’t easy, but it taught us the power of resilience, love, and faith. Moving to Michigan wasn’t just about starting a new life—it was about discovering how strong we could be together, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. Now, as we move forward, we do so with gratitude in our hearts and a renewed appreciation for the blessings that brought us here.
(Lesson in life: Never take life for granted)