Generous Hearts - Giving back this holiday season

We asked you to submit your stories of generosity to this holiday season. This story truly captured the spirit of giving. Thanks Susan P.

Susan's Story

My friend Lyn had witnessed my failing health due to End Stage Renal Disease.  She saw what dialysis was doing to me and wanted to help by donating a kidney to me.  My biggest fear was that if something ever happened to her would her family or she regret what she did?  We never know what our future will bring, but she was not going to back down on her offer. 
 
In March of 2004, she gave me a kidney, and a new life. She didn't miss a beat after the transplant.  She recovered very quickly and never made a big deal of what a wonderful act she had done.  Her selfless act could have gone unnoticed for all she cared, that's not why she did it.  She is an amazing woman, friend and human being.
 
Here we are three years later and Lyn suffered a devastating virus over Thanksgiving week that was attacking her organs.  Her heart and kidney function were severely compromised.  My biggest nightmare was actually coming true.  What happens if she loses her only kidney?  How would she and her family feel if that should happen?  Not once did anyone in her family think that because they knew how much she wanted to donate.
 
After many days fighting for her life, she pulled through. With time and intense therapy she will be fine.  Any bystander would think that it was a miracle, but those of us who know her well, and know what a selfless person she is knew that it was not her time.  She is a gift to this world, and she has a lot more to give.
 
Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning to me now.  I am so thankful that I have her around, her family has her around and the world has her around.  She is truly a 'generous' heart.