Growing up my little brother and I weren't exactly the best of buddies. He'd go to the biscuit jar and get one for me and one for him and I would repay him by hitting him with my toy bunny rabbit. This happened a lot. He would always be nice and I would be annoyed.
I am not sure if there is a rule about annoying little brothers and horrid big sisters, but if there is, we were a totally perfect example of the rule.
As the years went by we just didn't get any closer and it wasn't until we had kids (6 months apart) that we hung out again.
Two years after I had my son I found out he has childhood cancer and around the same time, my brother found out that his son had Nephrotic Kidney Disorder
It wasn't an easy time for any of us..many years passed and they were the hardest years of our lives.
My son was treated with chemo for four years and became healthier again (I never say better because it just makes me feel like I am tempting fate) and his cousin was very unwell with his kidneys but coped.
After eight years of coping, late last year my nephew had to have his kidneys removed and he began dialysis. It was a life shattering experience and I could not believe how this little guy just got on, un-afraid, had the operation and just coped, played, smiled and laughed..in fact, the day after he had his kidneys removed he was up playing ping-pong!!!
So, to cut a long story short..today, my brother, my annoying little brother..was totally my hero
He went under the surgeon's knife for six hours and donated his kidney to to my nephew so that he could get back to...no, begin, having a normal life. I am so proud of them both. They are so much braver, and my brother, so much more selfless that I can explain.
So I wanted to share it with you, to get it off my chest..to sigh a breath of relief. My dad just text and said my brother just came out of surgery and he looks like shit and it is hard not to cry..butI just feel pride..and of course tears but they are of relief and pride and hope for the future for them
My son is my hero for fighting off cancer and being such a lovely, cool kind of a guy. He's braver than anyone I have ever met but now...
But my little bro..what a dude. And his son, how brave.
And the surgeon's and nurses and everyone in Guy's Hospital and Great Ormond Street..THANK YOU. Thank you so much.
It sounds like you're all very brave, and you definitely deserve a bit of happiness now. Hope it all goes well. x
ReplyDeleteWow, that really is a heroic story, all of you going through such immense distress and coming out the other end. Wishing your brother and nephew a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. Thank you also for your lovely, kind comment on my blog xox Take care xxx Penelope
ReplyDeleteGosh. Having discussed our common tendency to cry elsewhere, you won't be surprised to hear that this has brought on some tears. What a beautiful account of an incredibly difficult time for you all - you write about it so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteYou are all massive heroes xx
Thank you so much Sarah, Penelope and Vanessa for your LOVELY comments. I have been so down in the dumps and I have read these comments and felt cheerier and more postive. You guys are great. Thank you xxx
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about your post again today...I hope they are recovering well. xx
ReplyDeleteAw :) thank you Vanessa. They are doing ok, it has been a tough few weeks but they are getting stronger. The hospital are allowing them out for one day tomorrow..just to keep their spirits up. i am sure the sunshine will help them. We are all hoping it does them some good. Thanks again for asking. xx
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