5 years, 4 months and 19 days. That is how long my friend Kim lasted after we did our kidney transplant.

On May 7, the phone rang with the news of Kim's passing. Although I knew it was coming it still set me back. Kim was so young. Way to young to die now. It should have been Kim coming to my funeral rather than me going to hers.

Kim's family treated us so well. Better than some of our own extended family in fact. I worry about her husband and daughter. I know that he sat with Kim every 113 days that she was in the hospital this last time. He will be so lost without her.

I know that at some point in his life he will find love again, but he had better make darn sure that we all approve of his choice first or it will be hell to pay!

I really miss my friend. I've wanted to pick up the phone and call so many times in this past week. I've still got her home/work/cell #'s on our phones. I can't bring my self to erase them yet. I know that at some point I will but just not now.

It seems strange to realize that 300 miles away in a cemetery that several years ago I never knew of lay 3 friends. First came Cheryl, then Kim's mother, now Kim. I'm not sure if I'll be up there any more, I know that I don't need to keep butting into peoples lives, but maybe I will if nothing else to go visit their graves and sit and talk a while.

I did tell Sam that the offer/promise that I made to Kim is still on. May of 2010 I'm paying for a cabin in Pigeon Forge for no less than a week. All Sam and Ashley need to do is show up.

Rest in peace my friend. You were loved and will be forever missed.

I am so very sorry for your loss and for your pain. I am new to this blog / site, and I just read your post. I needed to reach out to you, as a stranger but as a fellow human being to say that I pray that your pain is eased with time and that your memories will keep you going and all that you learned from/with your friend Kim will last forever. May God bless you.

Monica