Years Later: The Enduring Blessings of Giving
It’s an incredible feeling to look back at that date on the calendar — the day I chose to give a part of myself to someone else.
Almost a year after surgery, I wrote “Much to Be Thankful For,” reflecting on my living kidney donor story of gratitude — one act of obedience that became a lifelong source of joy. It’s been nine years since that day, and I’m still overwhelmed with gratitude — for the healing, the friendship, and the everyday reminders of God’s faithfulness.
This is the final post in my four-part kidney donation series, sharing my real-life experience of becoming a living kidney donor in 2016.
If you’re new here, you can start from the beginning. And if you’d like to keep walking with me through future stories of faith and gratitude, subscribe here to stay connected.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
For anyone who considers donation, the lingering question is often about the long-term impact on your own health. I’m thankful to share that, years later, I feel absolutely no different than I did before surgery.
I can work out, keep up with my family, and live my life fully — an outcome that fills me with deep gratitude and joy. I made a complete recovery and have experienced no ill effects following the surgery — a true and marvelous blessing.
But the real reason for my enduring joy is what happened on the other side of the operating table.
A Miracle Multiplied
Katherine, the recipient, is thriving. The “super kidney” we prayed for has been working beautifully, giving her renewed energy and life. Knowing that my kidney is working so well in her body makes every bit of the short-term pain completely worth it.
“I am completely thrilled that I had this amazing opportunity to give a marvelous gift to a wonderful person.”
The ripple effects of that single decision continue to amaze me. Our families share a unique bond — one that only a life-saving gift can create. And perhaps the most inspiring part: my donation inspired someone else to become a living donor.
The giving keeps going. How incredible is that?
🌿 Gratitude That Grows
This journey has reminded me of how truly blessed I am: I’m healthy, my family is healthy, and I get to share everyday moments with them — moments I now treasure more deeply than ever before.
I’ve learned to recognize blessings I once took for granted: strength in my body, laughter around the table, the ability to serve others with joy.
As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a daily practice, a posture of the heart.
The Miracle of Gratitude
As you enter this season of Thanksgiving, remember that gratitude is an action. It’s more than a list of blessings — it’s the brave choice to become a blessing to someone else.
The impact of a living kidney donor story of gratitude reaches far beyond the operating room; it’s a reflection of God’s abundant heart.
I will always be eternally grateful for the chance I had to be part of this miracle — a story of faith, surrender, and the kind of gratitude that keeps giving
💬 Thinking About Becoming a Donor?
If you’ve ever considered donation or want to learn more about the process, you can visit the National Kidney Donation Organization page.
If you’d like to talk about the emotional or spiritual side of living donation, I’d love to connect — you can email me directly or send me a DM.
Great story of blessings in so many directions. All caused by one step of obedience. Absolutely amazing. One small but powerful step.