Thursday 23 August 2012

Darren, transplant buddy.

Hi all, well one year ago today the lovely Darren Salmon lost his fight for life, just one week prior to his first year transplant anniversary. Darren was a lovely man, one of the best, he had a loving family and 3 beautiful children.

We met Darren, just a few days after he and Ellis received their transplants and a great friendship was born. They recovered together, laughed together, cried together and shared an understanding of what the other was going through. They both always had a twinkle in their eyes, a cheeky smile on their face, a wicked sense of humor and a lust for life and laughter.

When in hospital, they would always be together on what became 'their table in the corridor'. This was their place, to laugh and watch the comings and goings of the other patients and staff. The doctors and nurses would always know where to find them. As time went on, and they grew different infections, they were no longer able to mix, but it didn't stop them from standing in each others door ways, until they were marched back to their room!

A little while before Darren lost his fight for life he told Ellis that, when he had to leave, he would send her a white feather, as a sign that he is watching over her. After saying goodbye at his funeral, whilst understandably upset, the whitest fluffiest feather literally came from no where and landed on Ellis. A sign as promised, he would never let her down.

Ellis always knew she had a friend in Darren, as did I, he was always there for us, even though his health was deteriorating. Well I'm sure their friendship remains as they are, once again, continuing their journey together.
                                                   
                                          Exercising at the Gym in Papworth.  

                                       
                          These are Darren's songs, which Ellis loved listening to.


2 comments:

  1. Wow! What an incredible story. I love the part about the feather. It is so wonderful for you to continue this blog. It should be therapeutic for you. Stopping by from Circle of Moms

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  2. Hi Michelle G, thank you for taking the time to look at Ellis's blog and for your comment. You are write it is therapeutic, it's much easier expressing things in writing than trying to talk sometimes. Thanks again x Jo x

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