A Birthday, Sangrias and the Boobie Trap

Whew! What a busy couple of weeks! Happy Almost First Day of Summer. I guess technically, summer doesn't start until this evening, but it's been in full swing for Derrick and I, and we're enjoying every minute of it! 

To start off, last week, we celebrated the birthday of this lovely lady:

My friend, Pauline, celebrated her birthday! We had a fun dinner and Sangrias at Urban Table and it was a great way for the girls to catch up after a couple of weeks.

 All the ladies - Me, Morgan, Pauline and Brooke

The birthday girl and Brooke - Loved the books as the restaurant's way of giving you your check. How appropriate for this group.

In other news, the Summer of Music has officially kicked off. We saw the Devil Makes Three at Crossroads a few weeks ago. It was a good show, but it was a little chilly (yes, in early June). I can't remember the last time I've gone to a show and ordered coffee. Oh that's right, because I've never ordered coffee at a show! I mean, who does that? Well, this girl did.

This past weekend, we headed to Topeka to cross off another show on our summer music list at this little gem:

It's the Boobie Trap and it is Topeka's Home of Live Music. It's a small dive bar with four tables, a few chairs, pool tables and an even smaller stage. Even driving up to the place was a little sketch, but once you got past the name, it's outer appearance, the lack of air conditioning and knocked back a few PBRs, it was a lot of fun. Even Derrick's family was with us as well and everyone seemed to have a great time. Thanks to Brooke and Kipp for introducing us to the Trap and hanging out!

We got to spend some time with Derrick's parents for Father's Day in Topeka, then headed to see my folks in Olathe. Everyone was in good spirits and in good health and it was really nice to catch up with family. We are both so blessed to have family close by where we can see them often.

Finally, we headed home. We were exhausted from having a late Saturday night and getting up early Sunday morning, but we had a great time. I'm sure we'll do it all over again real soon.

Beasley exhausted after his long weekend.

How to Save a Life -- The Blessings of Organ and Tissue Donation

Today we are celebrating! Twelve years ago today, Derrick underwent a specialized heart surgery called The Ross Procedure. Due to a condition called aortic valvular stenosis, Derrick's surgery involved replacing his aortic valve with his own pulmonary valve, then replacing his pulmonary valve with one from a donor. Twelve years ago, doctors thought he might have to have another surgery down the road. A few years ago, doctors said the need for another surgery was highly unlikely. Today, Derrick continues to live an active and healthy life.

Without people registering to be an organ and tissue donor, Derrick may not have the opportunity to have the surgery. Without the surgery, Derrick would be a very sickly person. The same goes for the thousands who have undergone a transplant. But more importantly, what will be the outcome of thousands currently waiting for a donor?

Thanks to my dear friend, Brooke, I was introduced to Donate Life America, a non-for-profit organization committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation, According to the organization, as of March 2012, more than 113,000 patients are waiting for a donor. In 2011, there were 8,127 deceased organ donors and 6,017 living organ donors resulting in 28,535 organ transplants. An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant. It's clear the demand far exceeds the number of donors.

Being a donor was something I never really gave a second thought to. My dad's an organ donor, so whenever I renewed my driver's license, I would always sign the donor card and my license would indicated I was a donor. It was as simple as that. Aside from one acquaintance, I had never known anyone who had undergone a transplant until I met Derrick. 

 Derrick, post operation

But I'm glad someone thought to be an organ and tissue donor. Without that individual, Derrick's quality of life would have been much different. And who knows, we, or a family member, may be in need of a transplant someday.

So today, as Derrick and I celebrate the blessings of these last 12 years, I encourage you to check out the Donate Life America website. Understand donation, how it works and how it helps. And if you aren't already, consider being an organ and tissue donor. 

You might save someone's life.