DECEMBER

FEATURE
No. So at age 47 and with renewed health,
I entered private industry gratefully accepting
a position at EMC Corporation, a Boston-based
firm specializing in complex information storage
systems. My final ten years of work was for
Air Academy Associates headquartered in
Colorado Springs.
While transitioning from public service to
the private sector, I established a website
that helped patients better understand and
prepare for the transplantation process. Such
websites already existed, but they were not
written from the perspective of a transplant
recipient. Upon launching this website, I met
Lydia who was working in marketing for an
online medical information company in Toronto.
After collaborating with her for about a year, we
decided to have lunch together in Toronto. I
flew out and the rest, as they say, is history. On
May 20, 1999, I came to Canada with a renewed
lease on life to be with a very special lady.
I will never forget those who are less fortunate,
who are on dialysis, either waiting for their calls
or those who are not eligible for such a precious,
rare and life-enhancing gift.
So as January 20, 2016 approaches, I shall wish
Lydia “Happy 20th Anniversary.” This is not to
commemorate our wedding, but for a wonderful
and fulfilling life with her that might otherwise
have not occurred.
In 1998, my kidney brother, Alfredo, asked if
I would join his family on the occasion of his
daughter Gabriela’s wedding in Buenos Aires.
When I arrived, Alfredo abruptly turned ill and
was unable to participate. He asked me to give
Gabby’s hand in marriage on his behalf. Humbly
and without speaking Spanish, I did. Alfredo
thankfully returned to health and I have since
returned to Argentina many times to visit.
Lydia and I moved from Markham to Ballantrae’s
Condo 2 in May, 2008 and to Condo 5 in May,
2010. We have thoroughly enjoyed it. In 2014,
we welcomed our first grandchild, Remy.
We remain profoundly thankful to our donor
family for this second chance at a good life.
I have written to them over these 20 years in
an effort to describe what their sacrifice has
meant for our family and me. Correspondence
must go through the transplant centre to ensure
privacy. I have yet to receive a response, yet I feel
compelled to convey my continuing gratitude.
Perhaps their loss and suffering has not abated
and they do not wish to know.
From Top to Bottom: Alfedo, Lee & Alfredo's Wife Maria
Nora; Lee & Baby Remy; West Point Graduation
HOME ON THE GREEN
47