WE HOST MY DONOR FAMILY
When we first met Ruben's family back in April, it truly was a major event in our lives. At that occasion, we spoke with the family and all expressed an interest in future shared social opportunities. The future arrived Sunday, it arrived here at Le Chalet Springtown, and it needed some food!
After several weeks of schedule-tweaking, the much-anticipated day arrived. I have heard several donor family stories. Sometimes there never is a story, since either the family and/or the recipient do not want to meet, or they may not even wish to know who each other are. I have heard of families who smother the recipient, feeling he or she is bringing back the lost loved one. Some meetings occur but the two parties are too different to allow useful conversation. But I wasn't a bit worried, and I was 100% correct.
We had a great time, beginning the yakking at the front door and not stopping until the last taillight disappeared around the corner. And yes, it's hard to talk while running alongside a moving vehicle. But seriously, despite temperatures of over 175 degrees F it was a most fine time. Ruben's family are just as interested in eating as we are, an important factor to say the least for anyone in either clan. The kids were very fun and extremely polite, especially considering this was a "boring adult deal". Unfortunately, Mamaluz was unable to come but we were promised a sampling of her world-famous tamales soon.
We received a most gracious thank you from Patty and Lucy, mentioning that they were glad I was the recipient of Ruben's unbelievable gift. This of course really got to me, and it remains my sincere commitment to honor Ruben by being the best recipient possible.
DUCK! HERE COMES A PILE OF UPDATES!
In my own inimitable, hard-hitting and unbelievably self-serving style I will attempt to recap the many happenings since my last blog post. I have mercifully omitted many of the more mundane facts, like what I have for lunch and crap like that. If you do wanna know my lunch menu rotation, just send an SASE along with $19.99 for shipping and handling to Yours Truly, c/o Transplant Tribune, 10816 N. Rhode Island School of Design Parkway, in Ukaipa. Allow 6-8 months for delivery, and, as always, offer is not valid in Sector R. So here come those updates.......
* We missed the CTDN event at AT&T (Giants vs. Dodgers) due to "an injury" much too traumatic and hurtful to relate here (hint: it involved the Beach Boys and my ribs). If you need to know, see above ("SASE" etc.) and I'll tell you.
* We recover enough to attend an evening showing of the incredible Picasso exhibit at the De Young. Late lunch is consumed happily at our SF favorite, Nopalito, which always pleases. You should go. Send that SASE and I will review it in detail.
* I travel to Rockridge and the A Cote restaurant for a small reunion of veterans of CPMC cardiac rehab. Bonnie Jo, Jane, Bonnie B. and I enjoy an onslaught of small yet expensive plates amidst mirthful banter about "those days".
* One of the best concerts ever as I begin my birthday celebrations, is Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos at Mountain Winery, high above Saratoga. We enjoyed a marvelous dinner on the deck overlooking the entire South Bay, then entered the intimate amphitheater to enjoy the hardest-working Texican rock band in the universe. Wow! hardly describes it.
* After two years of hair pulling and gnashing of teeth we have a donor registration table at the Livermore farmer's market. Most passers-by think we are selling something, and scurry by with a "no, thanks" on their way to the corn stand. We did meet Robin, whose daughter Anna received a lung transplant and appears in The Power of Two. Also, local businessman Bill stops by and discusses his 25-year success with a heart transplant. Talk about inspirational! In general, though, this little excursion sorta sucked; we couldn't compete with the organic cherry tomatoes, even for our excellent cause.
*Strange symptoms prompt a useless visit to John Muir Concord, followed by the requisite trip to the ER at UCSF. Suspecting heart rejection, I am admitted and scheduled for a heart biopsy. After antibiotics eliminate the pain and fever, the biopsy confirms zero rejection, just a mild and unexplained lung infection.
* A most enjoyable day is had at Sveadal, near Morgan Hill, for the long-running Christian Family Reunion. Thanks to the Carlsons and Hughes for another fun event.
* The annual gathering of TRIO members for a picnic in Milpitas is again fun and flavorful.
* Another cool evening is spent at Armando's in downtown Martinez listening to the amazing Jeff Magidson Band. Jeff and his wife Isabel performed at Chris and Leslie's wedding as Duo Gadjo, and Jeff's blues band truly gets it on.
* A hot Danville night is experienced at, well, at Hot Danville Nights, naturally. Loads of classic cars and hot rods displayed all up and down the streets, after which we have a killer dinner at Laurus. I would recommend it however it has unceremoniously closed. More's the pity.
* We view the documentary Senna, an incredible story of an unusually spiritual and highly-talented Formula One driver. While decidedly not a "racing flick", it depicts the dramatic career of one of racing's acknowledged greatest. A fine dinner at Corso with Jeff and Sue F follows the intensely emotional film.
* Yr. Humble Svt's. birthday is observed with an intimate and exceptional dinner party at the home of Leslie and Chris, featuring tacos al pastor and a famous custom-designed Elspeth birthday cake.
* I dare to see Senna again, this time with newly-discovered F1 enthusiast friend Eduardo. We sample Spanish cafe con leche con afterwards and discuss the story.
* The arrival of my donor family here for food and conversation culminates a very active and happy month.
ON THE HORIZON
Soon, we will lead Team Ruben into battle at the 2011 Donate Life Walk in Fremont. There are still several slots open on our team and everyone who registers as a walker on Team Ruben will receive a very cool cap, like the one I am wearing at this very moment! But hurry, time is a-wastin'....sign up OR submit your contribution in the name of Team Ruben soon! Be sure to inform everyone you know, want to know, (or personally don't give a s**t about) to register or contribute TODAY!
The 10th of September festivities continue after the Walk with the Bay Area premiere of The Power ofTwo, based on the incredible lifelong battle of our friends Isa and Ana Stenzel with cystic fibrosis. After double-lung transplants, these twin sisters travel and speak worldwide for CF awareness and organ donation. Tickets for the two performances at the Castro theater in SF can still be had by going to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/180093
Shortly thereafter will be the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception celebrating the marriage of Linsey F. to our fine son, Andrew. Everything will take place in Napa and we are understandably excited!
Subsequently will be a trip to Monterey for Rennsport Reunion at Laguna Seca, a vintage racing event celebrating the accomplishments of Porsche over the years. Then, it's time for the Big One......Rome to Istanbul via Oceania's Marina! Wow! again.
Bob/Irv
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