Tuesday, May 31, 2011

It's That Time Of Year Again...

It's Kidney Day everyone!

No, not World Kidney Day, but a very special day nonetheless.

13 years ago today is the day one of my best friends received his second life saving donor kidney. I first met Padrin in 2003 when we both worked for the same company. He invited me out to celebrate Kidney Day the first year I worked there and I've been inviting him and his kidney out to celebrate ever since. BTW, I named his kidney Squirtle that first year and it kind of stuck.

So wherever you find yourself today, give your kidneys a hug. Take them for a walk, treat them to a cranberry juice, make a donation to the Kidney Foundation or sign up to be an organ donor. And don't be shy! I know you're out there, so take a minute and drop Padrin and Squirtle your good wishes in comments. : )

Happy Birthday little Squirtle – you're officially a teenager now!

- L.
Posted by at
Labels: ,

24 comments:

  1. noreenmachineMay 31, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Happy Kidney Day to Padrin!

    I met Padrin through Lisa when I was visiting her in Toronto almost 8 years ago (8 years in Oct)! Padrin and I have been online friends ever since.

    I'm so glad that Squirtle is a teenager! But also glad it's not old enough to drive. haha.

    Have a great Kidney Day, Padrin!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Happy Kidney Day Padrin! Having known several people who have gone through kidney transplants and the process involved, I'm sure this truly is a day for celebration for you. My prayer is that you and Squirtle will share a long and happy life together. Lots of blessings to you.
    Auntie E.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    Happy Birthday Squirtle.

    They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Well, I remember when this kidney was nothing more than a pipe dream. Literally. The arrival of Squirtle was a monumentous event in Padrin's life and for all of those around at the time who know and love him. Julie and I will always remember that day like it was the birth of our own son.

    We are so very proud of you two for banding together and taking this challenge head on. You deserve a day off every day on this day for the rest of your days. Celebrate!

    Julie?

    ReplyDelete
  4. sylvieMay 31, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Yay for kidney day! Padrin you should be proud of Squirtle, he's turned out to be a fine young kidney. He's also pretty lucky to have found a good home too. Cheers to both of you! xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. BeccaMay 31, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Happy Birthday Squirtle! I hope this is just the beginning of a much longer journey for the 2 of you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Happy Birthday Squirtle and Happy Kidney Day Padrin! I wish both of you a wonderful day full of much deserved fun and kindness :)
    Marc

    ReplyDelete
  7. JennyMay 31, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Hey Padrin! Congrats on another happy kidney day! My mother in law is also blessed as a transplant recipient, now in its 18th year! Wishing you many more kidney days to come.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Happy kidney day Padrin!
    13 is definitely worth celebrating. Take good care of Squirtly!
    Hope to see you soon!
    Cheers! Janice

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownMay 31, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Happy kidney day Padrin. Wishing you many more kidney days to you!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. JasMay 31, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Happy kidney day Padrin, and happy 13th birthday Squirtle. Here's to many more wonderful years!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Amanda HendersonMay 31, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Happy Kidney Day Padrin!! I hope the two of you spend many more healthy years together!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AmandaMay 31, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Happy Kidney Day Padrin! <3 Enjoy your day, and the many years to come!! <3

    ReplyDelete
  13. CrystalMay 31, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    I will drink many glasses of cranberry juice in your name, Padrin! Congratulations on another year passed, I hope it was filled with laughter and wonderful memories. May you have many MANY more kidney days in your future!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Happy Kidney Day! I hope there are many more of these celebrations for you, Padrin (& Squirtie).

    ReplyDelete
  15. KellyMay 31, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Happy Kidney Day, Padrin! My kidneys and I just shared some high-fives in your honor.

    ReplyDelete
  16. TanjaMay 31, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Happy Kidney Day, Padrin! 13 years - what an amazing blessing. Hope you enjoyed your celebration with Lisa today :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    Happy Birthday, Squirtle!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Heartchya/taraMay 31, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Yay! So glad you Squirtle is treating you right!!!! Happy kidney day, Friend!!!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownMay 31, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Happy kidney day! Wishing you many more :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Happy Kidney Day Padrin, and Happy Birthday Squirtle! Hoping you see many more kidney birthdays, maybe even enough to vote!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    Hi Padrin,

    I hope that you and Squirtle had a wonderful Kidney Day!

    Sending many, many good wishes and blessings,

    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  22. AshleighJune 1, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Happy Kidney Day, Padrin! And a happy birthday to your kidney...the big 1-3! Sending prayers for many more Kidney Days to come!

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    oh my! Thank you everybody for all the kind words and well wishes!

    Now lets get back to the cute babies and sweet mom here!

    Lots of love
    Squirtle and Padrin

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Happy Kidney Day Padrin! I'm more than happy that you and Squirtle have cohabited together for 13 years - a big congratulations to both of you and praying Squirtle will see you both through to your senior years - you can collect your pensions together. Much love, Gamma Rita

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)