Siblings Share

I got off the gurney, handed my brother a hormone patch- - -told him to hang on it to because someday he might need it since he would soon be part female, held him, kissed him - - then I got back on the gurney and they wheeled me away. I was first in the operating room. He followed me a few hours later. They took my left kidney, carefully cutting a 12" slit in my side where earlier in the day my sister had written in ink pen:

"Cut here, remove kidney...liposuction...stitch up with care".

I made this block, which I named "Siblings Share", for the 8th Threads of Life traveling quilt that is sponsored by the Donate Life Oregon Donors Program. This block honors my brother, Gary, who is a diabetic and has had various other health issues throughout his life.

The transplant took place on December 10, 2001. I'm not sure if has ever used the hormone patch, LOL.

A picture of my brother and I taken just a couple of weeks ago.

And here is the quilt that Cher gave to me at the hospital a few days following the transplant. She and the Portland Piecers, a group she quilts with, made this signature quilt for me. Dr.'s, nurses, family and friends signed it. How thoughtful of her/them to do this for me. I will always treasure this quilt.