Living with Joy

By Terri W. Godwin

Ten years after her heartwarming book, Natasha's Joy, Terri Godwin reflects on how the ultimate sacrifice to save her sister Natasha's life by donating a kidney to her transformed both their lives.

This new book shares stories about living with, "Joy," Natasha's nickname for the kidney . . . stories of triumph followed by the difficult challenge

• Language: English
• Publisher: BJ Publishing
• Release date: Sep 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9780981476124

Book preview

Preface

The decision to be a living kidney donor for my sister Natasha eleven years ago was one of the biggest decisions of my life. This single act of love changed our lives in ways I could never have imagined.

I wrote my first book, Natasha’s Joy: The Gift of Life for My Sister, in 2008, five years after our transplant. Since that time, Natasha has reclaimed her life and regained a sense of normalcy she once knew.

Certainly, no event occupied our lives more until the untimely death of our mother five years after the transplant. Mom had stuck by our sides night and day, nurturing us each back to health as she had done throughout our lives. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and in 2006, after a lengthy battle with the disease she went home to be with the Lord.

She inspires me to never give up hope and to live each day with purpose.

Chapter 1

Natasha Turns 40

Natasha would be turning forty in August, and I wanted to do something to celebrate this milestone. Severe bouts with asthma had plagued her during childhood, and in her early years as a young teacher she discovered an autoimmune disorder, which eventually led to renal failure, dialysis, and then a kidney transplant. Yet, she took it all in stride, and she’s still standing, and smiling, for the most part. What is most remarkable is the inner strength and grace she exemplifies every day of her life.

As we set off on an evening stroll through the neighborhood, I asked, What would you like to do for your fortieth?

Hmm, I’m not sure, she replied. She thought for a short minute and said, It doesn’t matter. I’ll be happy just to see it. Maybe we can gather a few friends for dinner at a restaurant or something.

I wanted to do something memorable…but what? Then it occurred to me—a surprise white party! Partygoers would come dressed in all white. The neighborhood country club, a short walk from my house, would be the perfect venue. With its spiraling marble staircase, wraparound balconies, and the open terrace overlooking lush landscaping and cascading pools, it would create an island-like backdrop, with a hint of aqua, Natasha’s favorite color. The scent from blooming petals of magnolia trees lining the sidewalk fill the air in summertime.

To begin, I gathered phone numbers and began calling and e-mailing friends. Charlene Dixon and Nicole Troublefield were her confidants throughout their college years. They have seen each other through careers and changing hairstyles. They’ve danced at each other’s weddings and watched their babies become teens, and whenever these close-knit pals get together for girls night out they still have plenty to laugh about.

Next was designing invitations for each of the guest. I chose a pearlescent, aqua-green, pocket-fold invite with flaps and lined it with a sheet of bright white linen paper. With a fancy font and tiny white rhinestones, the invitation read 40 and Fabulous. Each guest would receive one by mail.

Getting back to the guest list, I phoned aunt Mary Ann in Philadelphia and cousin Ida Bell Valentine, one of Mom’s closest relatives and friend, who lived in New Jersey.

"If nothing happens, we’ll do our best