my sister

[Donna Luebke]

Clark

Your monthly posting of donation anniversaries is much appreciated.  Yes, some of us are grieving a loss as you know.  It has been over 6 months since my sister and recipient, Rita passed away.  Last September, she spent a month in ICU. She was able to come home and made it almost 5 months.  The kidney and liver were fine until those last days due to heart and lung issues.  Basically, refractory pulmonary hypertension.  As I traveled this live donor advocacy journey, my sister was my support and advocate.  I miss her every day.  As donors, we know our recipients are not the healthiest people.  Great to hear or read the stories of organs that have lasted 30 or more years.  I am grateful for the years we had with Rita. 

I am sad for those donors whose outcome was not as expected.  I am grateful for those who I have met here and on the road.  For many, forums like this are the only source of support (thank you Michael.)  Best to all.

[sherri]

Donna,

I am so sorry for your loss. A sister bond is so very special and just from reading your thoughts about Rita and the close relationship you shared, I know you two were connected even beyond the kidney. I hope the wonderful memories you have of her will be a comfort to you.

All the best,

Sherri

[Catherine C]

Donna,
I haven't talked to for awhile.  I am so sorry to read about your sister.  It must be painful.  Thinking of you!
Catherine Cullen

[Karol]

Hi Donna,
Sisters are special. Sending you {{hugs}}
All the best,
Karol

[Orchidlady]

I am so sorry for your loss, Donna. May the good memories sustain you through the difficult times.

[Barbara S]

I too have not been very active lately, and am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister.
I do know what a special bond it is.  May you find strength in knowing that even though she is gone, you will always have your memories to remember forever.

[dodger]

Donna, I am sorry for your the loss of your sister.  Sisters are like moms, you will always miss them a bit more than other close losses.  Each day it gets a bit easier, then bam out of no where, you cry and have such s sense of loss again, that is ok, you loved them and miss them.  It is just that those episodes get a bit further apart.  It does get better. 

[Michael]

Donna,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know this has been a difficult time for you.

Thank you for your kind words about LDO. We try to make this a safe place for anyone and everyone to ask questions, share experiences candidly, and work to make things better. At this difficult time, I hope you'll be comforted knowing you're an important part of all of that.

[WilliamLFreeman]

Donna,

Thank you for sharing your feelings with us.

We hope for the best when we donate an organ, even hope that our recipient and the now her/his organ outlives us.  Even when the recipient is someone we had not known, we form a special bond.

May your memories of Rita, and the memories of Jack (the second kidney donor to Rita whom you describe in your LDO Hall of Fame story about Rita), be a blessing to you and to your family.

Bill

[elephant]

Dear Donna,

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your beloved sister. 

I'm also glad to be a member here, this is indeed a special group of people!

Love, elephant

[Donna Luebke]

Thanks to all of you for your kind words. 

[Aries7]

Donna,

I have not been on the board for a while, so I am just seeing your message now. I know this is late, but I just wanted to send you my condolences on the loss of your sister. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Linda