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My whole life, Doug has sought out obscure bookstores in the most unlikely of places to build his masterful library. The church walls were lined with thousands of Doug’s books and one of his close friends who also stored his books at the church. All told there were 10-15,000 books in the church. The electronics melted, the pews couches burned, and when the fire melted the overhead water pipe the space flooded.

[see all pictures here]

The books are not a total loss, but they are Doug’s passion. It is very sad to know that both the object of his passion and vision of his church went up in flames this week. Of course, Doug is resilient and disconcertingly thankful.

I came across this excerpt from a post that Doug made when discussing his kidney issues:

Instead of continually wondering why our lives are not better, we might cultivate a mindset that wonders why our lives have been so good, so blessed, and so overwhelmingly wonderful. In so doing, we might begin to acknowledge the treasures that surround. Instead of complaining for slow service at restaurant, we might thank the server for their time and effort in meeting our need. We might thank the clerk in the store, we might thank the boss who employs us, we might thank the officer who protects us, we might thank the teachers who instruct us, we might look around with fresh eyes at the innumerable blessings surrounding us each moment.

And most of all, we might thank God who owes us nothing and yet blesses us continually whether we are good and evil.

I am confident that Doug will take this in stride. He won’t make a big deal out of it. I have to. Drop him a note. Send him a book. Pause. Take a moment out of your day to think about all of the good in your life.

Go kidney!

• Staples (out).
• Medicine (in).
• Heart Catheter (out).
• Kidney (working).
• Rejection (not working).
• Cholesterol (up).
• Number of kidneyblogging posts (down).

Doug’s ankles are unbelievably smaller, the kidney is sucking all of the fluids out of his system.  He has lost a bunch of weight since the surgery.

Izaak seems to be doing much better.  He and Doug are spending a lot of time hanging out in Doug’s basement.  Thursday summer school starts, so he is going to have to stop sleeping til noon and drinking beer all night.  Well, I guess school starting never stopped him from that before, so carry on.

If you aren’t already sub’d (as Ryan says), then check out Doug’s blog.  He is posting some interesting stuff.

The Daily Times, the Blount County newspaper is writing a story on these guys.  I will post the pub date for those of you who are interested.  Connie Chung was supposed to conduct an interview, but because of her recent finale, I doubt she’ll show.

6:00 news

11:00 news

You can also read the story at WBIRs site.

I thought I would sit down and say a word or two about this experience and what this whole thing means for me. First, I want to say that I am very proud to be a part of this life changing experience on behalf of Doug. When I first learned about Doug’s condition years ago I could hardly believe it, how could such a great guy have such a hendering illness I thought to myself. I could not shake the idea that I needed to do something to help, even if all I did was go to the transplant center at U.T. to see if I could be a donor. I always had in the back of my mind that I would in fact become the donor, but hearing that I was accepted and that a date had been set brought a sense of relief to me and to everyone I’m sure.

I am so happy that the surgery was a success and that healing can now take place. I look forward to Doug’s future and I am honored that God used me to play a part in getting Doug’s health and well-being back on track. Although I am reminded that I have done something great, and I believe that, I think its more important to remeber that Doug has a new kidney and that is more great than any act that I have done. Doug is the real hero in this story. Doug now has an opportunity to live a more normal and healthy life, and everyone can agree that his life will not go to waste but will in fact be a full life in which he will continue to bless others and do great works in this and other communities.

I don’t think it is necessary to go into the details of everything that has transpired because this blog has done a great job in keeping up with all the events as they unfolded. But I am proud to report that I have had a BM, so no more worries on that end. I would like to take this opporunity to thank everyone for all there thoughts, prayers, and support through this challenging time. Knowing that so many people took an active interest in both me and Doug is very humbling. I don’t believe that I have ever had so many people think about me at once before, and that is a cool feeling.

In closing I would like to say that I think it is great that I had the opportunity to practice a little individual responsibility. I am a firm believer in the notion that things are best left up to communities, because with in community you can find true love and compassion. I saw a need, and by the grace of God I was able to be apart of the solution. That is the kind of world I hope to live in, where activities are not controled by litigation or laws, but by love for your fellow brother.

Peace

I removed my bandage today. Could take a pic of the scar. More porn.

I Went to clinic today. Blood levels are looking good. White blood count is a little high–they’ll keep watching.

WBIR will be broadcasting news report tomorrow at 6:00 pm (part one) and at 11:00 pm (part two).

Big challenge now for me is learning the med schedule. I have to take certains meds at the same time everyday and you can’t be off by even an hour. Every med is on a calendar and I am supposed to check off everytime I take.

Every time they take abs they may adjust meds. Today they made slight alertations in my meds.