Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Does Anyone Have A Spare Liver?

In May of last year I wrote about Mike, a friend from college who became ill. He had collapsed in his apartment and was not found for three days. The reason for his collapse was not clear, and I still have not learned why. His left arm was trapped underneath his body during the three days he was unconscious, resulting in severe damage to his arm that left it almost totally useless for the remainder of last year. There were many complications during his recovery, most of which appeared to center on getting his internal organs to function properly. When I last spoke with Mike he was recovering, but very weak. He made it very clear during that conversation that he did not want anyone to know how sick he was. He was angry with friends for spreading the word. He was angry for the outpouring of love and support that he received.

I have attempted to contact Mike multiple times during the past month. I’ve sent letters, e-mails, and left voice-mails. He either cannot reply or will not reply. That’s okay. I am as stubborn as he is. I will not only continue trying, but I will continue praying for him, too, something that I think my friend truly resents. There’s nothing he can do to stop that.

That’s where you come in.

This morning I learned that Michael’s liver shut down. He is on a liver transplant waiting list. Where he is on that list is beyond me. His current condition is unclear.  According to the e-mail I received, Mike sleeps a lot, maybe as much as 20 out of 24 hours in a day.

Please say a prayer for Michael. Please say a prayer for his recovery. Please say a prayer that he will come to saving faith in Christ. It is all that anyone can do right now.

When I wrote about Michael last May I wrote that I would repost an Arby’s Archives entry about Mike and a rental car agent. It was one of a three part series about attending a very difficult funeral for the son a high school friend. I never did post that entry.  I will run that story tomorrow.

10 comments:

Oklahoma Granny said...

God has blessed Michael with a faithful friend. I will certainly keep Michael and you in my prayers.

Teacher Mommy said...

I am so sorry to hear this, Arby. May the wait be a short one.

Brownie said...

Is he waiting for a cadaver liver or can he recieve a living donor? I'm not sure if that's a possibility. I remember reading that you could donate part of your liver - because it will grow back.

(BTW - I'm over my bout of panic. Really. I'm blaming the pain pills.)

Kid said...

White Light for your friend Arby.

Kathleen said...

Praying for Michael...for healing, for the Waiting List, and that he will be more open to the outpouring of love and concern.

The Pirate Mom said...

Praying for your friend, Michael here!

~Kellie

CrossView said...

Praying that your friend will learn how to receive as well as give! =(

Linda said...

Praying that Mike will see that by receiving, he is allowing others to receive the blessing of grace.

Anonymous said...

Praying

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Anonymous said...

((hugs))