Our Transplant Adventure: TRANSPLANT TIME

Today started as any other day for Ben and I here in Ohio.

It was actually a nice spring like sunny day for early February.

I was on a walk with a friend when Ben called me. He asked me “Where are you?”

I told him I was in the neighborhood behind Heinens, a local grocery store near where we live.

He said, “You might want to head back, I just got a Transplant call and we need to head to the Cleveland Clinic within the next hour.

You can imagine my response. With heart racing I ask, “Are you serious?”

My friend and I immediately headed for home at the fastest pace we could walk without running.

I think she was as excited as I was. Oddly enough I didn’t feel nervous or anxious.

I just felt peace. It actually felt really right.

Ben and I have a process we’ve developed when these calls come.

First call Dad.

Second, we get our to go bags ready. These have everything we’ll need to get by for the next 48 hours. The first time we did this it was a bit of a scramble but we learned from the first “dry run” what things we would want in our bags.. So it was easy this time.

This was technically our 3rd transplant call, but our 4th organ offer.

Third, the other important calls happen, Ben calls and talks with each of his sisters, his cousin Alex, the grandparents and his girlfriend. This is a very tender time, because we know that Transplant surgery is very delicate and risky, so he knows there is a small chance this could be the last time he talks with the people he loves. It is an emotional time as I listen to these conversations and often tears run down my face.

Fourth, arrange for Ben to receive a priesthood blessing. Luckily Ben has some great friends that met us at the hospital to administer to him. Scott Weber and Michael Mann. Throughout the next 48 hours Scott, Michael, Irelan Ming Ben’s girlfriend, and Brandt Hansen would make sure I was not alone, had Coke Zero, snacks and company. These wonderful young people he has met through the young single adult ward made sure I was taken care of until Lincoln could arrive. The only time they left me alone was for a few hours from about 3:00 am to 7:00 am while I tried to catch a few hours of sleep on a couch. And it took some serious convincing for them to leave me alone for that long. Scott even picked Lincoln up from the airport. These young men are all Medical/Dental Students, so they are busy boys. Taking time to minister to me was a sacrifice of their time. They truly were angels to me and I am forever grateful for them!

After our last dry run, we had decided that Dad wouldn’t catch a flight until Ben was actually in the OR and surgery had begun. This way he wont take time off and travel here and the transplant not actually happen.

We arrived at the hospital around 4:00 p.m., we were checked into a room where they would begin the gambit of pre transplant preparations. These include, blood draws, chest X-rays, urine samples etc. and meeting with members of the transplant team to sign consent forms.

Then we wait. Wait for the organs to be procured from the donor and to make sure they are going to be the right organs for Benjamin. The donor was in nearby local hospital so there wouldn’t be much time between procurement and surgery starting for Ben.

I posted this to my social media account: It’s TRANSPLANT TIME!! At 11:30 p.m. Ohio time they officially started the transplant. Prayers on Ben’s behalf would be appreciated! We love you all and are grateful for your love and support!

We believe in God’s timing! We have waited with faith in Heavenly Fathers plan for Ben and our family. We know this transplant is happening at the right time with the right organs for Benjamin. We know whatever the outcome Heavenly Father is in charge.