The countdown begins........

A week from today I will weigh a pound heavier. That is the approximate weight that my new kidney will weigh. The funny part is that Erica (donor) started her own blog called "one pound lighter".

The common question that a lot of people have asked is where do they put it. Until a few weeks ago I didnt know myself. They dont take out the old ones, working a little is better than not at all. They actually add it into the left side of my stomach. I guess they tell me there is room.

I have been very fortunate for a more reasons than I can explain. A. I got a kidney, the average wait is four to five years, I had to wait a few weeks. B. My good friend Geoff hosted an exceptional golf tournament that raised enough money to fund my donors expenses, wages, and travel costs. C. My wife is a complete champion. She has taken care of me and put up with more than anyone that I have met. D. I will be with my family and friends in MN throughout the whole process and will probably see people that I havent seen in years. Its all very exciting.

We are starting to get a little nervous as well. I have never had surgery and I dont really know what to expect, I do know that the beds in hospitals arent built for guys that are 6'5".

This has definintely given us a new outlook on life. Over the last couple weeks I have started to appreciate dirty diapers, annoying tourists, waiting in line at Star Market, and Dr. Phil. These are all things that I never liked, now I have started to appreciate having the ability to experience all these things. Because you never know when something can change or be taken away from you. Basically I have learned to appreciate the negative along with the positive.

Tomorrow we will be on a plane leaving the place that we both love more than anywhere we have ever been. We will leave sun for snow, and boardshorts for tooks (as my wife calls it). But like people in Maui say the best part about leaving is knowing that your coming back.