My tribute to my sister..

The other day on Facebook I made a status about Deniferer and I thought I'd share:

"My sister, Jennifer McClung, is home from her 2nd surgery. Everything went smoothly and right now she is passed out on the couch due to the Vicodin. Thank you all for your prayers! ♥

This surgery was the hardest one because it was the removal of her Peritoneal dialysis tube that has been in her since she was 15. Its a loss and again having it removed. Now she has alot more freedom! Not having to hook up to a machine every night for 11 hrs, but now she has to do HEMO every other day for 4 hours. Hemo therapy is completely draining though. She'll be down and out for a day after. Only to have to go back in a do it all over again.

She has on last surgery: the removal of her ovarian cysts. Then she'll be one step closer to getting a transplant! I know a transplant is something has always considered but right now it is inevitable and I couldn't be happier for her.

My sister is the strongest person I know. She had her life come to a screeching halt when she was diagnosed with kidney failure at 15. No high school memories. That means no winter formal or prom. She had to be home-schooled because of her condition. She missed out on dating and having her first kiss and all the horrible and good times that comes with your adolescent/young adulthood.

As she got older, her kidney failure hinder her lifer in a new way. She found out she would never be allowed to have a job. If she got a job the government would see she had an income coming to her, and her health insurance would be cut her off, thinking she can now pay $10,000/per month for her own dialysis solutions.

This has forced my 31 year old sister to have to continue living under her mommy's roof. You know how frustrating it would be to 31 years old with no job, no education, no boyfriend or ANY form of romantic relationship in your life EVER?!

This is why I think she is the strongest person I know. She has gone through all these trials and tribulations and has never ONCE given up and called it quits. She just makes a joke of it all and takes on what God has given her. She knows she has a purpose. There is a reason all this has happened to her. I absolutely love her optimism! Its infectious.

Her disease has robbed her of every experience we all have taken for granted. Right now I am looking at my sister and seeing her in pain from the surgery and I know the cyst removal is A LOT more invasive surgery to where she has to go under completely with anesthesia and its gonna hurt and shes gonna be sore but you won't ever hear this girl complain! She is amazing.

On top of ALL OF THIS....she has been the most selfless person throughout. For example, she has just undergone two surgeries in two days, the first thing she asked all groggily when she came to was "Does Jackie want me to be there for her baptism this Sunday?"

My point of this status is.....I cannot wait til my sister gets the transplant she deserves! This will allow her to do all the things she never got to do. She can make up for the 15 years of life she has missed out on. She wants to go back school and get her high school diploma, go to college, get her degree in child development, get a job, have money of her own to save up and be able to travel the world. Her disease hindered her life and now her transplant will allow her to live her life like the rest of us!

I love you so much, Jenn! Just a little bit longer and you'll be fine.."

Its here where I added:

"But yeah as I was typing this I realize how great of a sister I am. I'M KIDDING! Lol I realized all the experiences that I have that Jenn never got to have! I sit here and complained about not having my iPhone 5 quick enough, not being able to go to a parties, not getting an adorable sweater that I saw at Wal*Mart yesterday, etc. All those things I wanted were in vain! Everything she wanted in life were just basic life necessities!"

IRichard Muirden had to remind me of something as he made a lovely tribute to Jenn as well

:

Hear, Hear!! So very well written in so many ways. You nailed it - Jen is selfless and puts everyone ahead of herself and cares so much, and she has so much to give. I would only disagree with one part - Jen has not missed out on everything in life. No siree! She's been educated by the school of hard knocks, but she's come through a very fine person I am very happy to call my friend. She's learned through experience and observation some life lessons and ways to treat people that others will never pick up - whatever their freedoms. I'm so happy this part of the surgery has gone well, and hoping now that icky PD tube is out, as much as it is like losing an old friend, that will sort out some of the pain issues, and when she's done with the next and last hurdle, she can move forward. Yes, some short term changes ahead with hemodialysis, but I *know* Jen has the strength and character to overcome all of this. She's a wonderful, clever, funny, beautiful, dear, smart woman and if only some certain people could see and appreciate that.... well there are enough of us who do - and those of us who met you both in Vegas were privliged to meet two fine young ladies with it all ahead of you. Yes Jen has challenges, but that won't stop her - watch out world (and watch out men!!! ). Go Jen!!!!!"

What Richard said really made me realize that Jenn's life has been tough but not a bad life in the slightest. She just had to go about things different. We all face challenges in life and she's no exception! I don't think she would want me to feel bad for her..