I found out that the life I knew would forever change in June of 2015. My kidney failure caused me to need dialysis. Needless to say, I was devastated. I cried a lot, and prayed more. Only the power of God would be able to bring me through this journey. Nine surgeries later I smile because I’m blessed to have a lot of support from family, friends, nurses, and doctors.
One of my favorite things in the world are butterflies. They do something to me spiritually. I’m always experiencing a metamorphosis. I use butterflies as a symbol when I’m teaching the young women at church. The caterpillar must come out of its cocoon before it can turn into a butterfly to flourish and abundantly blossom.
People called me the “energizer bunny” as I’m always on the go between volunteering with my church and the National Kidney Foundation who both provide me with support and encouragement. I taught fitness classes, gardened and kept up with my friends and family. Dialysis had taught me to be patient, to become a better listener, and I learned to enjoy every moment with every breath because life is short. I learned to smile more often and to be more grateful for all the small things in life.
You miss a lot when your life changes due to an illness. I miss eating some of my favorite foods that I can’t have anymore. I miss staying up all night with my kids and grandkids to the wee hours of the morning laughing, talking and watching movies. Due to my PD Exchange I now have to be in bed by 11pm until morning. I’ve turned into Cinderella and not in a good way.
I’m still so blessed for many people have it worse than I do. I’ve taken on encouraging, helping, and educating others about this disease as I am going through my journey. I haven’t stopped living life, I’ve just learned to live it differently. This is not my ending, it’s just the beginning of my story.
*As of printing this calendar, Danette received the kidney transplant she was waiting on from a living donor, an anonymous angel friend. She is recovering and enjoying her life to the fullest. When asked about it she said, “The Blessing I’m receiving, truly there are no words!”
Danette Jones
Waiting Kidney Transplant Recipient
