Hometown Rankin - April & May 2016

All I knew was to put in the words I could remember and see what
would pop up. It took a while but I finally found it. The song is called,
“I’m Alive” by Travis Cottrell. I found the music on YouTube and
played it out loud. Tears began to flow as I was finally able to hear the
rest of the words.
Throughout this entire ordeal, so many people jumped in and took
over whatever needed to be done. My brother, Matt, and his family
kept our daughters and
made sure they were
taken care of when both
my husband and my
mom needed to be with
me. My sister, Amy,
kept everyone updated
on CaringBridge and
made sure my transplant
apartment was move-in
ready in a moment’s
notice. After returning
home, so many people
continued to shower us
with help and support.
doing exactly what He wants me to do. That’s a great feeling and I give
Him all the glory! And, since my transplant, I have had the added
blessing of counseling families and patients going through transplants
as well. I help answer all of the same questions that I once had. I get to
show them that this, too, shall pass. I get to be His light to those that
are scared and sick. What an amazing reward—and all for God’s glory.
Yes, my life took an unexpected turn, but the adventure has been
amazing! I’ve gotten to see
and live so many things that I
might have missed, otherwise.
Every time there’s a nostalgic
moment, a holiday, or an
event that is significant, I am
reminded that I could’ve not
lived to see them. With my
second chance, I try to make
choices that would not only
make God proud but also my
donor’s family. I pray their
family, whoever they are,
would be proud of what I’ve
accomplished so far and will
Friends, co-workers,
family, my pastor, my
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
continue to do. It sure keeps
things in perspective.
church family, and neighbors showed us grace and love through
continued prayers, meals, and acts of kindness. God’s light shined
through each and every one of them.
I had my 3-month checkup the first week of August 2011 and was
able to return to work the first day of school. In addition to that, one
year and one day after my liver transplant, I walked across the stage at
the University of Southern Mississippi and received my special
education teaching degree. I am now in my fourth year of teaching
students with special needs and was even awarded Teacher of the Year
at Brandon Middle School this year! I get to work with
some of the most amazing students ever. They bless me
every day. Yes, I have to take a few extra precautions
but that it just goes to show that when He has a plan,
no one can stop Him.
I know that I’m exactly where God wants me to be
God took me, someone who didn’t deserve a second chance and
someone who took so much for granted and restored me for His work
that is now being done. And Lord how I’m ready. Use me!
If you’d like to know more about becoming an organ donor, please
go to the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency website. You can learn
more about how it works and sign up online to become a donor. Give
the ultimate gift of life! You can’t take your organs with you… so why
not help someone else live.
If you are interested in hearing my testimony or know someone
who could benefit from me talking to them about my
transplant, please let me know. I would love the
opportunity to answer their questions or help them
understand the process. April is Organ Donation
Awareness Month. There’s no better month to get
signed up! I can help you with that, too. n
Hometown Rankin • 67