by Kathryn Seiley
Copyright 2004
So many days stand out in the memory of a mother as she reminisces the times her children have truly made her life worth living. Two such days were the weddings of my two sons and daughters-in-law. When each couple blessed me and touched my life forever by allowing me to sing at their weddings. To say that this was a difficult task to accomplish is an understatement. Each event deserving its own story.
However, this story is one about true love and the legacy a wonderful loving couple gives to their family.
The vows spoken during a wedding ceremony all too often are said in haste, and too quickly discarded when times get tough. This couple has had more difficult times during their years together than most people experience in a lifetime. The words ‘for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health’ are too often followed by ‘except when’ leading to the ever-increasing rate of divorce in our country. My son, Michael and his bride, Lee Ann, have proven time and again that these vows are written in their hearts as they have encountered challenge after challenge in their marriage.
A gorgeous ceremony was followed by a fun-filled reception. It was truly a night to remember. Lee Ann’s parents and grandparents made every attempt to make this her very special day. And they truly accomplished this goal. Lee Ann comes from a close knit loving family. One where even the new in-laws are welcomed and accepted as a part of the family. With a strong Christian background, loyal family ties, a sweet loving personality Lee Ann has touched my life as no one else. Her capacity for love and understanding, compassion and determination, are matched with her ability to hold on to these attributes while facing insurmountable odds and huge responsibilities.
Shortly after they were married they discovered Michael had a rare kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) that would eventually require a kidney transplant. It took months of intense, and at times very painful medical tests, examinations, and heart breaking setbacks to discover that the only known treatments for this disease were dialysis and kidney transplant. The financial drain left them struggling to make ends meet. The medications and therapy left Michael physically depleted and oftentimes even more ill. The shifts in his therapy due to reactions to medications caused even more stress to his body. Finally in September 2001 the physicians determined he must undergo kidney dialysis in order to live.
It would seem that would have been the answer to their problems, except that Michael has had minor complications with dialysis as well. This has lead to another operation and continued strain to his body.
Yet, he has a warrior’s spirit, this handsome son of mine. He has shown me over and over that nothing will keep his spirit down. He is determined to succeed, to learn, to be a positive example to others in need, and in being the very best person he can be. To this end he spends three days a week hooked to a dialysis machine, and another two days a week pursuing a college degree in psychology to become a grief counselor. His wife has not let the complications and setbacks hinder her career, either. She excels within her corporation and is continually advancing her education and striving to better herself and be a blessing to those around her.
Both these people have stood by my side during hardships of my own. Always there to support me with their love and understanding. There’s no way to express my gratitude for them, except to thank God every day for gracing me with their love and their lives, their support and their example.
In closing, I am a mother who has gained much more than I will ever be able to express by having wonderful children to show me the meaning of love, family, compassion, and understanding. Should you desire to learn more about this disease or other kidney problems log on to the official National Kidney Foundation website at www.kidney.org.
Please address all mail inquiries to:
National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd St., Suite 1100
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (800) 622-9010 (212) 889-2210
Fax: (212) 689-9261
Published U.S. Legacies March 2004
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