I am not a dialysis patient but simply a cheerleader for my husband - and he needs lots of them. Doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, AccessA Bus drivers, the list has been legion during these last 13 years.
There are many themes surrounding kidney disease. First the discovery that your life is forever changed by dialysis, the hopes of a transplant, complications surround the disease, but my re-occurring memory is of laughter and kindness. They might have come after an event, but they do come if you can just wait.
Like the people who offered to drive him to hospital when I was ill; the bus driver who worries about the people on his route and held a curbside Moment of Silence when one of his regulars passed away. Friends who constantly supply meals, shovel the driveway, nurses who jolly him to a smile when he is not feeling well. Ambulance personnel who encourage and give comfort.
There has been a host of cheerleaders during this dialysis journey, including the real estate agent who helped sell our home when we realized we simply could not travel the long miles to hospital three days a week any longer.
We are not in this lifestyle alone, we need to take time to cherish and appreciate every person who helps us along the way. Cheerleaders? Or angels?