Pop-Pop's phone rang.
It was for me.
The National Marrow Donor's Program told me I was a potential match and wanted to know if I was interested in donating.
I said "Yes," and asked Pop to watch Shane while I wandered off to answer screening questions for the next half hour.
It's not set that I'll be a match, but I'm honored I may even have the opportunity to help.
The coincidences that led up to this are astounding. I only vaguely remembered signing up for the national registry when I was on the phone.
Pop had not forgotten. He filled me in after I hung up.
The 19 year old son of one of his friends at church died years ago. The church ran an unrelated donation drive in 2006, but mu family knew of the loss. My brothers and sisters and I all signed up to be marrow donors then. All it took was a quick cheek swab if I remember correctly.
7 years ago...and then they happened to call on Pop's cell # (which used to be my old number) while I was sitting right next to him. I'd almost gone home with Shane beforehand, too. I showed up to pick up Shane and spend some time with Grandma Lois while she was in town, but after a little bit everyone saddled up to go to a church dinner. Normally, I would have packed Shane up and gone home. Grandma Lois' presence changed my mind and had me on hand when the NMDP called.
I was already wondering about all the coincidences when the lady on the phone mentioned my potential match was a four year old boy.
Shane turns three in December.
Half an hour of questions later I was done. I missed dinner, but Nana packed me a to-go box!
wow, that's awesome!
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