It was a quiet Sunday morning when everything changed. We received a life-altering call: a family member, who had been living with end-stage kidney failure, might receive a transplant that very day. The phrase “Be A Donor, Be a Hero” becomes deeply personal in these situations. While the kidney came from a deceased donor, their family made the incredible and selfless decision to give the gift of life.  We understand that this is not possible in every case of an unexpected death, but we hold this family in our prayers and hearts, honoring their courage and compassion even in the midst of their grief.

The Long Road Here

Eighteen years ago, our family member was diagnosed with kidney disease. At first, life continued with few disruptions. But as time passed and the disease progressed, it became clear that a transplant would one day be necessary. They were added to the transplant list, and we all braced for a long, uncertain wait, holding hope, balancing realism, and continuing to pray.

With support from our family, Sam and I  set off on what we have called our “golden gap year” adventure,  a journey around the country. Though we knew we might need to return unexpectedly for any number of reasons, in the case of the kidney transplant the medical team had given us every reason to believe we had years ahead of waiting. Still, we had a plan in place for the unexpected.

For years we had been praying for the individual to receive a kidney, honestly it was a daily prayer.  At times, like most people that pray, our prayers felt like they were hitting the ceiling until Sunday.  

When God decided to answer this prayer he knocked it out of the park!  

The Call

When God answered, it was beyond what we imagined. Not only was there a kidney available, it was a perfect match.  Not just a “good” match but perfect was the word used often.  The surgeon’s words will stay with us: “It’s as if you won the lottery.” But to us, it felt more like a miracle.

Of course, no miracle comes without its hurdles. The kidney, incredibly, missed its flight. (Yes, organs are often transported like luggage on commercial planes!) It was a logistical snag we hadn’t even considered. Meanwhile, we waited for the final tests to confirm our loved one was healthy enough to receive the transplant. The hours crawled. We held our breath, us in Utah, the rest of our family in Vermont.

The Rush Home — A Coordinated Effort

When the call finally came through that surgery was a go, we kicked our plan into action. I booked an early Monday flight from Grand Junction, Colorado, the nearest airport with available seats. Our daughter, who had been visiting us in Utah, was scheduled to fly out Sunday, but delays rerouted her to my flight the next morning , another small miracle.

Back in Vermont, our older daughter, knowing about the kidney first, had already begun coordinating care and logistics.  We are also grateful to her husband and daughter who took care of everything at their home so she could be available and to other family members and friends that held us up in prayer throughout this journey.

Sam dropped us off at the airport at 5:30am for a 7:00am flight, went back to the campground to pack up and make the long drive home.  We had friends reach out to fly out to drive with him or drive back the rig and Sam could fly, but he had his pup Annie with him, determined and steady he made his way across the country.  2385 miles, 3 nights on the road arriving back in VT on Thursday around 3:30pm, PHEW, it seems daunting as I type this.  

One Week Later — Gratitude and Healing

We’re one week out from surgery, and the kidney is working beautifully. The recipient is doing well, and though there’s a long road ahead in both physical and emotional recovery, we are filled with gratitude.

 It’s a long process of healing, there is the physical healing of course but also there is a huge emotional piece that goes with this extraordinary change in life. It is complicated in the beginning, but will become easier over time.  We’re looking forward to the days when conversations are no longer about health struggles, but about plans, passions, and simply living life.

What’s Next for Garlands on the Go?

For now, we’re staying put, helping however we can. As for the road ahead,  both literally and figuratively, we’re not sure. This is still our golden gap year, and there’s more to explore. When the time is right, we will decide what is best to do.  Until then, we’re soaking up this moment with deep gratitude for the journey, for family, and for the One who makes all things possible.

We are taking a break from the videos for a bit to get our feet under us again, however we do plan to post videos to catch everyone up to when we left Arches NP. 

#GarlandsOnTheGo #OrganDonation #KidneyTransplant #MiraclesHappen #GoldenGapYear #Gratitude