Reflection
I cannot help but feel immense joy each time I watch my 3 grandchildren playing with their father--my son, who was diagnosed almost 8 years ago with total renal failure in both kidneys and was undergoing dialysis 7 nights a week, 9 to 10 hours each night. At a young age of 38, he was merely existing, not living, hooked up to a machine that basically took over his life.
We waited for several years for a successful kidney transplant. We almost gave up hope. Today, my son is living life to the fullest with his family, celebrating and creating beautiful memories. Those dark days when my son was just hanging on to dear life and in total despair, were over. It's nothing short of a miracle.
It is amazing how much science, modern medicine and technology have come a long way. And I ask, who is the source of this knowledge; who guided the hands of these doctors and saved my son's life and the lives of many more?
Looking back, I truly believe that God hears our prayers and answers them in His own time and oftentimes in ways we cannot comprehend. Just as His answer came to me in a very unexpected and profound way—that I will be my sons’ kidney donor! I asked myself, is that even possible, at my age (I was already 65 at that time)?
But there was another twist. Although lab tests showed we were not compatible, in the process of being a live organ donor, another person, a complete stranger to me and my family, became the recipient of my kidney and saved his life while my son received a kidney that was compatible with him and saved my son! Truly, our ways are not God's ways and that everything is possible with God.
In this Season of Advent, I reflect on that Christmas eve over two thousand years ago, a baby in a manger. Our long wait for salvation, just as my son had been waiting for the life-saving transplant, was over.
As each new day begins, I thank the Almighty Father for sending His only begotten Son, giving the precious gift of life to all of us. God gave my son and our family the strength and courage to endure, to overcome and to live again according to His will.
May this holy season remind you that no matter how long or dark your wait might be, the promise of healing, wholeness and salvation still shines.
Ruey Shivers, M.Ed '95
Assistant Registrar
Graduate Records Office