Philly and Texas living in harmony?

One of the humorous aspects of the kidney transplant has been the fact that Stephanie was born and   raised in Dallas, Texas and is a Cowboys fan.  As you might imagine, this created quite a dilemma for me.  Could an Eagles fan actually accept a Cowboy kidney?  Will Eagles blood coagulate as it passes through a Cowboy kidney?  Would Stephanie possibly change her allegiance?

After several sleepless nights, I began to consult with family and friends.  The initial facial response from most was clear – why would you even consider such a thought!  Typically, the verbal response was, “I don’t think so”.  A few comment that I should reject the offer - immediately. 

Thanks friends and family for your support!

I needed more guidance so I wrote a letter to Andy Reed and received no response from him.  However, I did receive a response from security at the Lincoln Financial Field advising me to not attend any games without first contacting their office.  I will assume they want to escort me on field for a special recognition.

The next step was one that I did not want to take but it was my last resort.  Should I take the drastic step and talk to Stephanie?  Eventually I did approach her.  The response was clear and immediate.  She would take 6 weeks off from work for the surgery and she would make 3 trips to Delaware as part of the transplant process.  She would even give me a kidney, but it was a “take it or leave it” proposition – a Cowboy kidney or no kidney.

I quickly apologized and reiterated my thankfulness and appreciation for such a gift.

During the pre-operative procedures and the recovery, we were known as the Cowboy-Eagles transplant.  Clearly no one has ever witnessed such a thing! Seriously, this was a humorous running discussion as Stephanie and my hospital rooms were just across the hall from each other.

Now nearly two weeks after the surgery, I am doing well and Stephanie has returned home.  I believe that a special anti-rejection drug may have been created and contributed to this success:  1 part soil from the Cowboy Stadium and 1 part from the Linc mixed together with 2 parts beer and 1 chicken wing.

(Clearly, you now know that I have way too much time on my hands and have spent entirely too much time thinking about all of this).

In honor of the successful transplant, friends Dave and Tracy created a special t-shirt for Stephanie and me which accompanies this blog entry.

In closing, perhaps the joining together of an Eagles and Cowboys fan will help to heal the wound which exists between these two worthy opponents.  Perhaps somehow, a little love will be shared between the two and it will all be worth it.  Probably not!

It is nearly 12:30 and the 3 Stooges are on shortly.

~Jim