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In March Doug and I were hanging out almost non-stop as close friends but continued to date other people although no one in particular for either of us. We spent a considerable amount of our free time driving around Dallas in my old VW Bug which needed new seat cushions as the tops had worn enough for the springs to show. This was especially true on the passenger side. Doug would often wad up his coat and place it underneath him so a piece of metal wouldn’t poke him while we road around to who knows where.
The places we went weren’t important. Yet we were all over the world. Doug’s perspective of life was large, and his desire to explore it was contagious. I often found myself grinning while he talked and conveyed the world as something to be enjoyed instead of something to be tackled. Until then, I had thought I was adventurous and looked at the world as my oyster. I had been raised by two adventurous people, people who were not afraid to do something outside the norms of society and who had close friends who were also not the usual. But I was wrong about myself. At the age of 21, I was in too much of a hurry to consider possibilities. Doug slowed me down with his patience to learn who I was and who others were as well.
His love of people no matter their situations was compelling, and I was not alone in being drawn. One time in the cafeteria at school I observed him sitting down by himself at a large grouping of tables. Within minutes he was surrounded by other students vying for his attention and his wisdom. He patiently spoke to all of them and with his endearing smile frequently present. This happened other places around campus. And I was completely dazzled.
When I was a little kid, I had prayed to witness someone who was shrewd as a serpent but innocent as a dove, and now I had.
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Doug needs a kidney transplant. He was recently added to the deceased donor list and has a wait of up to five years. But he has been advised a living donor kidney is best. So I come with this blog to make others aware and to encourage him. For more info, please see the “Kidney Donation” page.
The Story of Doug 
Lisa, you are indeed building a wonderful sculpture of Doug through your words. He is more than a 2-dimensional description – he is someone beside me and I want to know more about him, you and your family. Sure, you have me hooked with the love story of how you met, but I’m also intrigued by this man and his views and his ability to encourage others. One of your goals is to introduce him to people who have missed the opportunity to know him in person. I’m getting there and look forward to your posts. Does your churcch site post any of Doug’s sermons? Or might be a side bar when you reach that point in the story?
Thanks, Nancy. That is great encouragement since the story is really not so much about the love story albeit part of it. It really is about Doug.
Our church has been fairly low tech, but I’m in process of trying to convert the cassette tapes from some of his sermons into mp3s.
I have known Doug for years as an acquaintance only being involved with him with loss of family members. I donated a kidney to my daughter 20 years ago and have never regretted it for a moment in all those years. Other than the few weeks of recovery I have been very health and felt no effect of the donation. My daughter lost the donated kidney after 10 years and had to be put back on dialysis and then her older sister gave her a kidney. The process of donation has improved immensely over the years. My older brother also lost his kidneys due to the complications of diabetes and recently received his donated kidney and is doing well. From our family to yours I offer encouragement to all of you and plead to all that know Doug to get tested. If your earthly body is in good health, there is nothing more full filling than to be able to give the gift of life.
I also encourage you to get Doug on every list you can. The more the better. There are many hospitals in the Denver and Salt Lake City area that have lists, You all are in my daily prayers.
Sister in Faith
Thank you so much, Phyllis. We are working on other lists now, but as you well know, it can be daunting. We appreciate your prayers!
Lisa, I agree with Phillis about getting on all lists you can. And DON’T be afraid to be agressive with these people. They need to hear from you so you can keep them on top of the game. We know a couple that moved to CA because minnesota did not have as many transplants and within a short (!) time she had a heart transplant!
Keep your faith–God is always on time.
Thanks for the encouragement. We did wonder about this and are now moving to try to find out about other lists. Phew! LOL!
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