I have a functioning kidney!

I'm sorry that I have not written for such a long time-it's like trying to keep a journal and I'm not very good at that either. So much has transpired since my last post that I hardly know where to begin. December; usually being one of the best months of the year, turned out to be one of the hardest months of my life. We went through some serious family issues that I never want to relive. The past two years have brought so much physical pain, but that's all it is: pain. When it's over, it's over. I can deal with that-especially knowing that I was doing it for my boys. Emotional pain; however, is a whole different ball game! The scars from emotional pain take much, much longer to heal. And, not just that, these were things I had no control over. When I was going through all the physical pain of the past year, it was me going through it, me feeling it, no one else. So I knew that I had control over that, that I knew exactly what it felt like. It may sound strange, but for anyone who has undergone severe physical pain, you know what I'm saying. The emotional pain that I endured in December was so different than anything I have experienced: it was a dark, deafening pain that seemed to overcome everything in its wake. Fortunately, through much counseling, we were able to get through it and, that being said, I think we are much stronger because of it. I was able to watch the atonement in action and what an amazing experience that was! I have felt the sweet balm of the atonement so many times in my own life, but this was different. This time, the atonement really was this person's savior. It has been incredible to watch the change in this person's personna and life as he bathes in the light of Christ. I just read a book called 'The Peacegiver', by James Ferrell. It taught me so much of the atonement and the far-reaching effects of it. Everyone should read it!!
YES!!!! I just received a kidney from my sweet sister Tasha! She was willing to go through the physical pain and to put her entire life on hold for me! The most amazing part, she doesn't think that she's done anything big! She is so incredibly humble about the whole thing. When asked about it, she simply replies, 'Well, anyone in the family would have done it', which is true but she has no desire to be labeled the hero. However, that is exactly what she is and always will be to me, my husband Tony, and my boys. I have a new life, a new beginning, a new hope! She has given me the greatest gift anyone could in this life, the opportunity to have a full, meaningful life. I am so thankful that I do have such an amazing family who are all willing to do anything for each other!