Author's Note on Personal Memoir

Fast forward to October 2012, where I am on the A train to a Columbia University’s School of General Studies Open House. I was on the same route I took for so many years as a dialysis patient, a transplant patient and now soon to be LaGuardia Community College graduate. I commenced my studies only two months after receiving the transplant. I cannot believe how drastic a change my life has taken. While on that train ride I understood more intimately than ever the power of fortitude and a miracle. Today, I stand undeterred from pursuing my dreams of higher education. I strive to be the best mother, wife, friend and student I can be. Today, my life stands as a testament to all that was good and great in my donor’s short life and to all that his parents, friends and teachers will never bear witness to. I stand to make good on all of the promises he was unable to keep and dreams he will never realize. Today, we stand with purpose, transcendent and extraordinary.     

               I wrote about this part of my life because I wanted to relive these moments not only in my head but also in my spirit. It is not often that an opportunity arises where I can speak about this extraordinary experience that has ultimately informed my every decision since it has taken place. It just seemed a perfect fit for the Memoir assignment. When I sat down to type this, I had no idea so much would come out of it. I made a conscious effort to stay as true to the experience as much as my sensations would allow. This assignment forced me to truly consider my donor’s life and what it may have been like. What was the circumstance which led to his unfortunate and untimely death? The result of this piece has led me to truly contemplate reaching out to my donor’s family in order to personally thank them. I honestly did not have any author in mind when I wrote this as it kind of came pouring out of me. I love when that happens because it just feels so easy and makes for an authentic piece of writing. The organic process of writing reminds me to recall the great art of form of expressing ourselves through this medium and how powerful it truly is. This story is one that I hope to rewrite and revise until it is perfect. It is a special one and I am glad to wholly embrace it. It is a part of being, my fabric, and physical body, literally. And, who knows? Perhaps when I meet my donor’s family I can offer them a copy as well.