 |
| Read an Excerpt |
For Edwards, the gift was that of life. In choosing to be a living kidney donor, she literally gave of herself to ensure another individual, and a stranger at that, could experience the very life of life. This story, though, is not written to spotlight Eldonna. The real underlying message is one that will, perhaps in more subtle ways, inspire each of us to commit an act of uncommon goodness, grace, generosity, or no-strings-attached love.
The opportunity, for Edwards, arrived unexpectedly. As a 48-year-old single mom enrolled in community college courses, Eldonna learned that one of her young classmates was suffering from a kidney condition that would prematurely end her life. Though she did not know this young woman very well, Edwards quickly realized she wanted to donate a kidney to her. To Eldonna's great disappointment, her offer was rejected. Sometimes an individual in great need is not ready to receive—not even a gift being freely given with pure motives.
This could very easily have been the end of it, but a seed had been planted. Edwards found herself on a quest to learn everything she could about the need for kidney donors and the process of donor selection. The more she discovered, the stronger the urge grew to help someone on the kidney transplant list. It turns out, though, that there would be major hurdles standing in the way.
To read Lost in Transplantation, is to accompany Eldonna on her winding pathway to giving what she most wanted to give. It is also to be there when she receives what she most needed to receive. You will find yourself becoming completely invested in the author and her mission because of Eldonna's authenticity, her humility, her beautiful humanity, and the unassuming way she touches hearts.
This book held great meaning for me. When my mother was diagnosed with renal cancer, which required the removal of her malignant kidney, I began to think about the possibility of needing to donate a kidney to her. Mom had various conditions that made the reliance on one kidney rather precarious and quite risky. As I sat in the hospital by her bedside following nephrectomy surgery, I learned that her sole remaining kidney was not picking up the extra duty that her second kidney had previously performed. I was ready to offer my mother one of my kidneys should it become necessary.
To offer a close family member a kidney is one thing. To offer a total stranger a kidney is quite another. Lost in Transplantation will move you in ways you weren't expecting. Perhaps this will be the story that leads you to an act of kindness or mercy that will completely transform a life. Not everyone can donate a kidney, but each of us can donate something, big or small, that will make the kind of difference that brings meaning and purpose into life.
I wish to thank Eldonna Edwards for the gift of this book and her healing presence in the world. You inspire me! I highly recommend that you pick up her memoir today. For those who subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can read this for free. This link will take you there.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
FOLLOW US ON:
