Feeling Thankful:
Howdy,
It is 1 May 2015, and I have so much to share.
As many of you know, I am a double transplant recipient.
I have a kidney and a pancreas transplant.
Of course, I have also suffered with other multiple health issues:
For instance, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of four, now resolved:
Lived with blindness since the age of twenty-four:
Oh, and throughout my life-time, I have come through several near-death-experiences:
But hey friends, I am still here!
In fact, on one occasion, I was given only three days to live:
But that was twenty-four years ago!
In addition, I have gained skill in Intermittent Self Catheterisation, eight times daily:
And defeated skin cancers:
All these, plus more, while walking a journey of faith.
But, hey, ho!
Let’s get to the point in hand:
Today is twenty-four years since I received my pancreas transplant, and I am so chuffed with every new day.
This is totally amazing, because according to those in the know, on average a transplanted pancreas functions properly for only ten years!
Since day one, however, my transplant has been working well.
This means I have a constant source of insulin from a donated pancreas.
It also means I can eat cup cakes covered in sprinkles:
Almond and cherry slices:
And lemon drizzle sponge.
In light of this, I am particularly thankful to my heavenly Pa for His loyal-love.
He has inexhaustible compassion.
Every morning, new!
His faithfulness is as broad as the day.
He always surprises me with love at daybreak.
Far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree.
Surpassing the ordinary.
With the greatest importance, I thank Him from a full heart.
Sure-enough, I am pumped with excitement and enthusiasm.
Bubbling-over with praise!
Still, you know, words will never ever express my gratitude for the organ donors and their families.
Imagine, an open montage of cherished memories.
But, I am so, eternally grateful.
And yes, quite simply, I thank them from the deepest part of my soul.
It is impossible to remember the countless surgeons, physicians, consultants, nurses, technical support workers, tea makers and so on, who have enabled me to enjoy life beyond the age of twenty-eight.
Their seemingly endless task carries on.
Sometimes, hidden from view.
Yet, with certainty, I thank them from my inside out.
Sure, I will forever share my gratitude with my precious Rachel.
She mean so much to me.
Oh, yes, yes, yes!
She has done superbly in providing care for me.
And she continues to do so.
I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
Not only from Rachel, but I am made glad by you, my friends and family, for your love, support and prayers through the years.
For your acts of gracious kindness:
Just knowing you are praying is a great encouragement.
So, I thank you from head to toe.
You see, twenty-four years with so many special people around me empowers me to appreciate life.
And I receive you heartily and with thanksgiving.
But you need to grasp this gem:
As part of my journey of faith, I am able to stroll at leisure with Pa in the sunlit fields of life:
There is no substitute for His presence.
Relationally, step by step.
Transitionally, day after day.
Most importantly, He oxygenates my personality.
Oh, my!
It is so great to be alive!
My lungs expand with His praise!
He energizes my progress, over and again:
And so, a new day begins:
Impressively, all year round.
My life is so blessed.
I am extremely thankful.
What a gift!
What a future!
Miraculously restored!
Now friends, anyone like a cup cake?
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
Before you go, if this message has comforted or challenged you, please click the recommend button found before this post.
Thank you.
E-mail david@newday-prince.me.uk.
Daily Verse from Devoted Dawn to Dusk:
References:
Lamentations 3:20-21
The Voice Bible.
Psalm 56:13
Psalm 92:14
The Message.
Blood Donation – Giving Blood, NHS Choices.
Kidney Transplant, NHS Choices.