This transplant changed me.
It all started before Bea. Before Bea I had lived a free and easy 28 years of life. I had a solid upbringing with two loving parents and two supportive sisters. I did well in school, was a successful athlete and volunteer, and rarely got in trouble. I went to college, met my now husband, moved to Chicago to extend my college years and had a successful job. I moved home, started my career in Cincinnati, got engaged and married. All without much failure, disappointment, and heartache.
Then, the biggest joy entered our lives and things got interesting. Beatrice Kelly Weidner started the party early, coming into the world 2.5 weeks sooner than we thought and we spent the first night home with her exactly 10 years from the day my husband and I met. It was all so serendipitous.
At Bea’s 2-month check-up we were rushed to Cincinnati Children’s and our world was forever changed. On March 9, 2015 Bea was diagnosed with biliary atresia. The only cure? A liver transplant.
News like that didn’t hit us like a ton of bricks but like a MAC truck carrying a ton of bricks going 500 mph. Instead of letting news like this crumble us, we stood strong and immediately sprung into action getting tested to see if either one of us could be Bea’s liver donor. Another momentous day and one that will always be seared into my heart – the day I found out that I was Bea’s match. We booked a date for living-related donor transplant and on July 7, 2015 Bea received her liver upgrade and I got to do what I was put on this earth to do – save my 6-month-old daughter’s life.
Being three months post-transplant, I am forever changed.
I used to be easily shaken by insignificant things. Now, I am rock solid.
I used to fly through life without much thought. Now, I cherish the precious moments I have with family and friends.
I used to think everything had to be perfect. Now, I am happy living in my chaos.
I used to doubt myself. Now, I truly know who I am.
I am strong.
I am positive.
I am a great mom.
I am a loving wife.
I may not know what the future holds but I know, in this moment, as I write this blog post, as I watch my bright-eyed daughter grow, I am blessed beyond measure and I am grateful.
Meet the Weidners and learn more about Bea’s liver transplant:
