Today, December 17, 2020 is the one year anniversary of my donating my left kidney.
My Dates in a Life: Kidney Donor Anniversary painting starts in the upper left corner on February 23, 2020, the same day I finished my Dates in a Life: Kidney Donation painting.
I documented each day, which includes passing time, my 6-month blood and urine tests and post-op appointment to review how I'm doing, I marked milestones on the 17th of each month, the one year anniversary of my son receiving his kidney, the day we met his donor online, the two times I donated blood, the 45th anniversary of my father dying after his failed kidney transplant, and my one year anniversary (in the lower right corner). I also painted silver lines under each square to signify when Covid hit Massachusetts from March 15th through now, because I’m doing the same thing on my Dates in a Life Walking Project 2020 painting, which documents the number of steps I walk each day.
I'll finish this painting after tomorrow, clean up the final photo, and share it again.
This year was pretty unremarkable in terms of healing after donating. I feel the same as before I donated, and my only physical reminder, one year later, is my vertical 3-4" scar above and slightly below my belly button. I am so glad I was able to donate, and I am very thankful that I had my husband by my side through the whole process. It's been quite a moving journey for both of us. I am also thankful for friends, family and coworkers who supported me as well.
