'Twas …

A thank-you poem (with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)

by David Goldman

'Twas four years ago December, when  given the news,

My transplanted kidney had blown its last fuse.

Judy’s kidney worked well for so many years.

But now it was dialysis, or a kidney from a peer.

Within a short time I could no longer pee,

I’d attach to a box that filtered poisons from me.

 This process wasn’t awful, I’m not one to complain,

but thinking long term, a new kidney was my aim.

You can’t ask someone to fork over one of theirs,

Though it can be done, since they do come in pairs.

No, you just tell your story and explain your need,

then hope that someone does a really great deed.

I was touched and overwhelmed by the offers received,

but very few matches were actually gleaned.

Those that matched me could not be used.

Their owners were unfortunately, medically disapproved.

With my friend Roberta's help, whose name just won’t rhyme,

we made a short video, then put it online.

It was shown on TV by the nightly news anchors

and yielded an offer from one total  stranger!

Again it turned out the match was incompatible,

but she offered to do something some thought was radical.

“What about a paired exchange? I’ll give to someone, and on down the line.”

Through this process I’m guaranteed one, in a short bit of time.

That’s how it happened, two and a half years from beginning.

I received a new kidney, it felt like a lottery winning!

From so many people the help and support came.

I’d like to take a moment, to thank them by name.

Thanks Debbie. Thanks Lenny. Thanks friends and my family.

Thanks Stuey. Thanks Lisa. Thanks Andy and all you who drove me.

Thanks both Patty and John, my donors. Yes two.

This swap was complex, another time I’ll explain it to you.

Thanks Nancy Radke. Thanks Dr. Nora and Dr. Jon Odorico.

Thanks to all the nurses and aides for the thankless deeds that you do.
Past the bumps in the road, you've safely steered me.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all dearly.

And whether it’s Christmas or Hanukah, or no special observance toward which you’re keen,

Happy holidays to you all, and a happy and healthy 2015!