A fellow teacher named Janet, gave hope to my soul
She would like to be tested as a donor, she said
I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what to say
I just had a feeling that my life was about to change in a very big way
In the next few months, my health began to decline
Two surgeries were needed
I was no longer feeling fine!
Dialysis too, became a part of my life
Shots in my stomach were not a delight
I had to be tied up to bags of solution each day and night
Energy was low, but spirits were high
I prayed and believed a miracle was nigh
In the summer of 2000 a miracle began
Miss Janet was tested--"You're a match!" they said
We were thankful and grateful and filled with glee
On October the sixth, the surgery would be
So in early October, with angels by my side
The miracle of new life was given and death was denied
The surgery was successful, my new organ working great
I became healthy and happy, but gee did I gain weight
In February 2001 to the Apple Valley Pool I went
It was time to shed those pounds
and make my condition--mint!
Now that my kidney was working, I wanted to see
Just how much I could do with my new energy
So I swam up and down those lanes with glee
And my new nickname soon became, "Miss Fishie"
My daily schedule was complete with grad school, church, theatre, and teaching
I couldn't believe all the things I had been missing
Hanging out with my friends and enjoying a variety of activities
were just some of the things I could do with my new kidney
With swimming and walking and watching my diet
Sometimes the urge for chocolate-- I just had to deny it!
I became "fit as a fiddle" and swam a mile each day
Back to the doctor I reported in May
"A mile a day!" the nurses and doctor exclaimed
"With that kind of ability, you must join the Buckeye Games!"
In July 2001 to the Buckeye Games I went
I felt excited and scared, and even a bit sick
But soon I discovered I had nothing to fear!
My comrades, like me, were just happy to be there
So we cheered and we yelled and we encouraged our team
It's not about winning, but a celebration of life, indeed!
It was my first swimming meet in about twenty years
But my hard work paid off and it was fun to hear the cheers
Two golds and a silver were hung on my neck,
By my special friend, Janet, who gave my life back
For without her gift, I wouldn't be here
And, I wouldn't be swimming or running here and there
My life is so pleasant now with the things I can do
Thanks to the Good Lord and miracles, I am living life anew
So on with my training, I have continued this past year
I have been so excited to see the Disney games draw near
I swim not just to stay fit, but to witness to others the meaning of new life
What a lovely opportunity after so much strife
Each day I am excited as I enter the pool
I swim and I swim as I reach for each goal
Who would have thought I could swim three miles in one session?
I really do think this sport is becoming an obsession
In just a few short months, to Disney I will go
to compete in my first National Transplant Games you know
It's such a thrill and dream to attend this special meet
To be involved in this event is a delightful treat
I can't wait to meet new friends
and travel with my new transplant pal, Kimberly
She's a swimmer too, but I hope she is not as quick as me
It is with Team Ohio that I will swim with pride
I will put forth my best effort and swim with great speed
I am so looking forward to "Magical Moments" at Walt Disney
I am thankful to the Lord!
And I am happy and blessed, to tell you my story
and wish my teammates the best
Though life sometimes throws curve balls and leaves bumps in the road,
It is important to lean on Jesus to lighten the load
So, "Miss Fish" is off to the races
I offer my best. It is up to the Lord to take care of the rest!
Written April 5, 2002
Since Carol's first competition in the 2002 US Games, where she won four medals in swimming, she has competed in the 2002 Canadian Transplant Games; 2003 World Transplant Games in Nancy, France;and 2004 US Transplant Games(Univeristy of Minnesota). Most recent competition includes representing TEAM USA as athlete and Team Manager at the 2004 Australian Transplant Games, where she was the winner of six gold medals in swimming events, silver in volleyball, and two bronze in track/field relays. Carol is now training for her second World Transplant Games to be held in London, Ontario, Canada in JULY.
