As of this writing at 1500 hrs Saturday, recipients have been matched for Josh's heart, liver and kidneys. That process will begin late Saturday night according to the Patient and Family Rep from the hospital who has been in constant touch this entire time. She's been a real blessing as far as making sure we weren't in the dark.
Josh will continue to live in other's bodies and that's a comfort to Lisa. I hope that one day we'll be able to meet these folks.
His cremation and services have been paid for, thanks to all of those who donated. When I posted about his death, I was only explaining why I wouldn't be posting, so it was a huge surprise when you folks chipped in to make sure that it wouldn't be a financial hardship on us. Believe me when I say that it was appreciated more than I can express in words. Money is the last thing anybody needs to worry about at a time like this. I've done I don't know how many fundraisers for people in this situation just for that reason, yet I was still surprised when it was done for me by several other bloggers who directed their readers to my post. It's true, I'm not real bright.
What was also appreciated just as much were the emails I received with notes of encouragement and sympathy. Every one of them was read as well as the expressions of sympathy that came with donations. I am in the process of answering each and every one of them, but due to the sheer number, it's going to take a awhile. It may only be a line or two, but it's something I have to do. I figure if you took the time to give an encouraging word or a few bucks, I can take the time to thank you for it. Manners and shit, right?
Posting will resume tomorrow although it will be lighter than usual, probably about half speed, for a while. We've still got a service to plan for and attend, family members are coming in from damned near everywhere in the western US, and of course I still have my wife's needs to attend to.
Again, I thank you from the bottom of my cold black heart for all that you've done.
Ken, We all love you and Lisa. You're family.
ReplyDeleteAnd we also all know you don't have a cold black heart.
sunny
"Greater love hath no man than this,"
ReplyDeleteYour heart is not cold or black. You are a big softy under that gruff exterior. Please, don't you rush back until you are ready. Family First and all that; we can wait.
ReplyDeletePraying, He will fill y'all with peace, until then, more hugs.
We all love you Ken and your family thanks for the many years of entertainment and hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad but not surprised that folks chipped in.
ReplyDeleteMore than glad most of the expenses are covered. The last thing you need to be worried about.
I have a feeling that we are actually quite alike in some aspects. Harder than week old pizza crust on the outside and softer than a warm chocolate chip cookie on the inside.
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
My best to you and Miss Lisa.
Give that Asshole Jack a Milk Bone while your at it.
Handsome lad.
ReplyDeleteI suspect your heart is not cold and black, but your affections are directed at those who have not taken advantage of you over the years. Even though it cannot remove Lisa's grief, knowing that some others will live is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteWords alone are never enough when someone has to bury their child. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this tragic time. But as you say, a part of that young man will live on and give many others a chance at life. That is a very generous gift that only a grieving family can offer. My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI did not know what to say until now. He was a better man me.
ReplyDeletePretty sure that noone wants my liver or lungs.
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers, and will continue to be there. Robin
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa really needs them.
DeleteI had 30 years with a family member thanks to an organ donation. we never forgot the gift of life some family made in the depths of their own tragedy. proof that good still exists in this world. we never were able to thank the family (they wished to stay anonymous) but I hope somehow they know how many lives they touched.
ReplyDeleteSo he lives on.
ReplyDeleteGood.
It will help ease the pain a bit.
My deepest condolences to your wife and you at this most difficult time. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child.
ReplyDeleteDespite your cold dead heart, we love ya, man!
ReplyDeleteMay you two find peace at some point soon.
ReplyDeleteObviously he was a good guy since he was thoughtful enough to donate what life he could at the end.
Family is an overused and misused word these days, but that is what we are, a family of like minds, believing in the same liberties and freedom overall. Things will work out.
ReplyDeleteBe glad to chip in. Where can I donate?
ReplyDeleteIt's not necessary WCD, all our expenses have been covered but thank you anyway.
DeleteGod Bless you, Lisa and all of the affected families that will miss Josh. We try and help our own and you are a big part of that. You take all the tie you need.
ReplyDeleteGOD Bless Josh! What a great Gift Lisa and you gave to other people.
ReplyDeleteGOD Bless both of you.
Take it easy, relax, recoup and we will still all be here.
I've been slow responding to this news, as I am still processing the death of my sister from cancer.
ReplyDeleteThe best I can say is - what they say above.
Take the time you need, the heart heals at its own pace.
Frank
Glad to hear that things are starting to right themselves. Thanks for keeping us posted.
ReplyDeleteI have been there brother. My deepest sympathies from the bottom of my heart.
ReplyDeleteI know from my oldest brother losing a daughter at age 20, that the pain will eventually fade, but the hole left will never be filled in. I too am glad that in the tragedy of his loss, others may be given the chance to live. As many have said,this bunch is a huge family, and they take care of each other. I continue to pray for everyone who has suffered from this loss.
ReplyDeletepigpen51
Kenny, you're family to us fellow bloggers, and that's all that needs to be said.
ReplyDeleteTake of Miss Lisa. She needs you now as much as she ever has.
You're in & prayers & will so remain, Kenny.
ReplyDelete--Budd
Don't rush. You know we'll be here. Miss Lisa and family comes first. Men have our duties right? Again prayers out.
ReplyDeleteDo what you need to do and have no fear. All of us will be here when you return.
ReplyDeleteTake your time, and take care of yourselves.
ReplyDeleteLofty
One word...."family"
ReplyDeleteKenny & Ms Lisa, I am so sorry for the loss of your boy. Please know that, as the recipient of a life-saving organ transplant, I applaud the decision to donate, Thank you for the saving of additional lives. God bless.
ReplyDeleteEd
The Family Care lady called this morning and said four people were able to see some more sunrises thanks to Josh.
DeleteI know that it would be a blessing to at least know that your loss was not in vain. And how wonderful that Family Care is willing to reach out to you all, and to let you know just how much wonder came out of such tragedy. Of course it is not a fair exchange, but at the least, it can bring some sense of what has happened. As you all pray, it is perfectly acceptable to ask God Why? In fact, at times,I have gone to God with my anger, telling Him that something that happened in my life was unfair, and why I was angry. He showed me the answer, in ways that were very apparent, within a short time. Just like God wants us to bring our good and bad things to Him, He wants us to bring our pain and anger to Him,and to cry out in our anger, while of course, remembering who is the God of the universe, that set the stones one upon another, in building the Earth. By doing this, you not only help yourself to heal, but you help to draw closer to God, and to the relationship that is intended for us and Him.
DeleteBe well, and stay strong.
pigpen51
His Mysterious Ways
ReplyDeleteAnd at last he stood
his God before
his days accounted
forevermore.
"You've served me well
Your earthly days
You did my bidding
in all your ways."
"How, so, my Lord?
I did not know
your Wish for me
or Way to go."
"Your purposed served-
you helped these four
My children also-
to live much more."
"My Ways, are not
for you to see
but, in your life's last gift-
you touched Eternity."
And, looking down
he chanced to see
his parting gifts
stretched to Infinity.
In lives renewed-
And children born-
Loved unending
and hope reborn!
Sorry to hear about your wife loss. Hate to admit I read your blog everyday, but I never comment, as I assume other tell you how much you mean to the country. Not sure how I can help, but it feel like I lost a part of my family and I never even knew of Lisa son, until now.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteA friend received a kidney from a six year old girl. He cherishes her more than life itself....
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMiss Lisa has my deepest sympathies.
Sorry For your loss. Amazing thing to have him live on through others.
ReplyDeleteThe gift he gave in his last moments ensuring others had a little more time with their families says more about that man than words could ever say. Selfless, caring, amazing. A fine young man in life and in death. A person could ask for no better.
ReplyDeleteWell said..well said.
DeleteWow, I'm just now catching up on your tragedy.
ReplyDeletePlease accept my sincerest condolences. I can't imagine the pain.