Just so you know I'd do anything for you

"Dana what if I do die?" He asked. 1

"Craig, as much as I hate to admit this, you’re going to be in a better place, you’ll be free from pain." Dana said soothingly.2

"I guess you're right. It's just for the first time I'm afraid of death. Even though I've been battling cancer almost all my life." Craig stated. Dana took a deep breath.3

"I know." 4

"Maybe I can become a spirit and visit you every night to talk to you." He thought out loud. 5

"Okay I'll try not to be scared." Dana laughed. 6

"You won't have to be. Because when a warm breeze pushes those beautiful brown streaks of hair out of your face you'll know its me." he replied. Dana smiled and began to say something, until her mother cut it. 7

"Dana, Mackenzie is here." She announced. 8

"Craig I'm sorry. I gotta go." Dana responded. 9

"That's okay. I'm kind of tired; I'm going to try to sleep for a while." He replied10

"Okay bye take care." She said. 11

"I will if you will." Hearing him smile, curled her lips into an innocent smile.12

"I will." 13

Dana hung up the phone and slid off her queen size bed. Craig looked at the phone which beeped the dial tone. 14

"Bye Dana I love you." he whispered. He rolled onto his side, draped his arm over a body pillow and drifted into a dreamless slumber. 15

Dana and Mackenzie left Dana's house, and began walking towards their high school. 16

"Okay so I know we're not going towards our high school so you mind telling me where we are going?" Mackenzie asked. 17

"Kenzie how afraid of needles are you?" Dana asked. 18

"Um... I am afraid but not petrified. If someone or something distracts me I'm okay." She replied confused. 19

"Okay good, cause um we're going to the hospital, you're going to donate blood, so am I but I am also getting tested to see if I'm a match for someone."20

"Does this have to do with Craig?" Mackenzie asked. Dana looked at her friend with hopeful eyes. 21

"It does, doesn't it?" Mackenzie guessed. Dana nodded her head slowly. They started walking again. 22

"Dana you always told me you're scared to death of hospitals, blood, and needles. I don't see why you're doing this?" 23

"Because at some point there's going to be someone who you will face your fears for. And this guy is my someone." Dana proclaimed. Mackenzie sighed and continued walking. They walked into the main lobby of the hospital, Dana strolled right up to the desk. 24

"How can I help you?" one of the attendants asked. 25

"My friend and I would like to donate blood, and I would like to see if I'm a suitable match for this one person." 26

"Are you guys over the age of sixteen?" The attendant asked. Both girls nodded. 27

"Before we can even consider for you two to be donors you will need to fill out these packets of forms." The attendant handed Dana two clipboards filled with thirty pages underneath clips. "You may sit over there and fill these out." 28

"Thank you." Kenzie smiled. 29

"Um girls, do your parents know you're doing this?" An older attendant asked. 30

"No." Dana muttered. The older attendant walked away without saying a word. The two teen girls sat down in the designated seating area and began filling out the forms. 31

"Okay so you told me you’re facing your fears for him, but that still doesn't explain why. I mean it's not like he needs the blood or an organ from you." Mackenzie expressed. Dana shot her friend a "how do you know he doesn't need it" look. Mackenzie gasped, 32

"He does need it doesn't he?" 33

Dana bit her lip in response. 34

"How much?? Or better yet what does he need?" Mackenzie asked. 35

"Possibly blood, and he um... will need a kidney transplant." Dana sighed. 36

"Oh my god, how sick is he?" Mackenzie Soughed. 37

"Real sick, he has a quarter of a percent chance of living. And I'm sorry I'm not ready to give up my best friend just yet." Dana began to sob. Mackenzie pulled her into a hug, as she began to weep. 38

"He's going to be fine, Dana. You’re not going to loose him." Mackenzie soothed. Both girls went back to filling out those forms. 39

"Not only does he have cancer, he was stabbed. Kidney, same one that is infected." Dana confided. 40

"When??" Mackenzie questioned. 41

"Before Halloween. Some guys who were after another guy who apparently looks like Craig, broke into Craig's house, hid in the shadows and jumped him when he got home." Dana gulped. Mackenzie mouthed "Oh My god." and waved her hand in front of her eyes before tearing up. The girls finished apprising the paperwork. They handed the packets in, and the first attendant started entering their information. 42

"Okay so what exactly is a Kidney transplant going to do?" 43

"It will give him a better chance of living." The attendant said. Dana looked at her weird. 44

"I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but what you're doing is really nice for you're friend." The attendant smiled. Dana grinned a bit. 45

"Okay girls, it will take about twenty minutes to an hour to see if you’re eligible to be a donor. You may wait in the sitting area where you were before. We'll call you soon." The attendant informed. The girls shook their heads in understanding, that is until Mackenzie shuffled back and began badgering the operator with a thousand question. 46

"Okay so it will give him a better chance of living, but how?" 47

"Well for starters he won't have to be battling the disease anymore, he will have a new kidney. But what's even more grand, is if your friend is his match, not only will she have saved his life by more than fifty percent, it will speed up the process for him, because people wait three, four, or five years for a kidney, and he gets it within a matter of days or months, and its from his friend. He sure does have one angelic friend." The attendant answered. 48

"And what about my friend?" Mackenzie asked. 49

"Well she will need to talk to her doctor with her parents, she will need to be one hundred percent healthy or she can't be a donor. And if she is fully healthy, she will make it through the operation without any problems." The attendant explained. 50

"Do you know if she is a perfect match?" Mackenzie questioned. 51

"She will have to wait, just like you and everybody else donating some part of their body. Any other questions?"52

"Nope I'm good." Mackenzie skipped back to the sitting room. 53

"What in the world were you doing with her?" Dana asked. 54

"I was making sure everything would go precisely to plan when you go under the knife." Mackenzie smiled. 55

"And what makes you think I'm even a match for him?" Dana retorted. 56

"I just have a feeling." Mackenzie smiled and embraced her friend into a hug. 57

Like what Mackenzie predicted, Dana was a perfect Kidney match for Craig. Three days passed, and on November 30th Dana and her parents were set to meet Dr. Wilcox, the surgeon who agreed to operate on Dana. 58

“Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez please come in.” He greeted.59

“Miss Jenkins.” Dana’s mother corrected. 60

“I’m sorry. Mr. Hernandez and Miss Jenkins.” 61

The family sat down in the provided chairs and Dr. Wilcox prepared his speech. He took a deep breath, but apparently he was wasting too much of Mr. Hernandez’s time. 62

“Okay so let’s get down to it, what does our daughter have, is it vital, how long will it take before she recovers and how much money are we spending here?” he cut in. 63

“BILLY!” Dana’s mother exclaimed. 64

“Mr. Hernandez, let me assure you Dana is not ill in anyway, so you may release that overwhelming tension.” Dr. Wilcox started. 65

Dana’s Mother let out a silent sigh of relief. 66

“You’re daughter came into this very hospital a couple of days ago and asked to be tested if she’s a blood match for someone in particular. As you know, your daughter has a friend named Craig Taylor, he’s real sick, and he needs a kidney transplant. He’s lucky enough to have a friend as loyal as your daughter. Your daughter wants to donate her kidney to save her friend.” Dr. Wilcox explained. Billy burst out in rage,67

“NO!” 68

“Dad!” Dana exclaimed. 69

“You are not getting any type of surgery for anything or anyone.” He screeched.70

“Billy!” Dana’s mom snapped. She turned to Dr. Wilcox and asked if they could have a family discussion in private. Dr. Wilcox understood and walked out of his office. 71

“Dad why are you saying no?” Dana asked quietly. 72

“Because you are not getting the operation. Not no way, not no how!” Billy crossed his arms over his chest. 73

“But I don’t understand why?” Dana whimpered. 74

“Billy let me put it to you this way. If I were to have a kidney transplant wouldn’t you do everything in your power to make sure I was okay, or even check to see if you were a suitable match for me?” Dana’s mom questioned. Billy sat there staring at the woman he promised he would love forever, (unfortunately forever came to a quick and permanent halt) He looked to his left, his daughter, Dana Michelle Hernandez; the little bundle of joy he held right after she was born. She stared at him pleadingly.75

“Billy you promised me in our vows that you would do anything for me…” 76

“This does not apply to us.” Billy interjected.77

“You’re right it doesn’t, but look at your only daughter, you wanted her to have to the same passion of saving lives and same loyalty you have. Well look she does. Why don’t you give her that chance to prove it.” Dana’s mother, Victoria, responded. Billy took a deep breath and let the words “okay.” Slip through his lips. Dr. Wilcox came back into the room.78

“So what will it be?” He asked. 79

“She’ll save her friends life.” Victoria said proudly. Dr. Wilcox sat down at his desk, and shuffled through some papers in Dana’s medical history folder. 80

“There is a catch though. Dana told me Craig lives in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. To have the surgery she will need to fly to Virginia. I already promised her I would go with her, so she won’t have the fear of putting her life in a stranger’s possession. I do not know if your insurance will cover this trip. Just incase insurance does not cover, do you have the money for this expense?” Dr. Wilcox surveyed.81

“We…. Won’t be….” Dana’s father began ranting. 82

“Billy shut up.” Victoria snapped. “We’ll find a way to pay. But can you make a call to our insurance and ask?” 83

“I will certainly do that.” Dr. Wilcox agreed. Victoria and Dana smiled to each other. 84

“Well thank you for your time, we really must be going.” Billy interjected and rushed for the door. Dr. Wilcox stood up and opened the door for the family. He shook everyone’s hands, as they left. 85

“Mr. Hernandez, Miss Jenkins, you raised a fine young lady, you should be proud.” 86

“Oh we are.” Victoria smiled and left. Dr. Wilcox sat back down and began the paper work for Dana’s operation. 87

“Oh shoot. I forgot to tell them they will receive money for their daughter’s donation.” He thought out loud. He raced after the family but what he saw was truly terrifying. 88

“Dana you stupid piece of shit. Why your mother wasted a perfectly good birth on you I’ll never know.” Her father yelled. 89

“Dad, what are you talking about?” Dana sobbed. Billy’s rage grew even stronger. He pinned his daughter up against the wall by her neck. Yelled some harsh words and threats. He acted like he was going to hit her but he hit the wall instead.90

“Dad let me go you’re hurting me.” Dana Cried. 91

“Billy let go of her!” Victoria screamed. Dr. Wilcox ran to the nearest phone and called security. Three husky security personnel reported to the scene. 92

“Is there a problem.” Barked Damon, the leader of the group. 93

“No problem at all.” Billy smiled. Victoria was sitting in one of the chairs, trembling holding back sobs, and wrapped her arms around her stomach. Dana, on the other hand was on her knees, catching her breath and trying to stop crying. 94

“Miss is there a problem?” Damon asked. 95

“No.” Victoria muttered. She knew better than to go against her former husband’s word. 96

The three security guards pulled Billy away from his family, and let Dana and Victoria leave the hospital. In the car, Victoria told her daughter she was going to drop her off at Mackenzie’s house, with a duffle bag of belongings and that Mrs. Daughtery would be accompanying Dana on her trip to Virginia. Dana agreed unwillingly; At home she packed a week’s worth of clothes, a few precious treasures, and the rest of necessities and began walking with her mother to her friend’s house. Mackenzie was thrilled to have her friend as a roommate for the next week, but she didn’t know the pain her friend was going through with her family. 97

December 3rd, day before Dana would board a flight to Chesapeake Bay, Virginia to have a life changing operation done. On the flight Dana was more apprehensive than a stage frightened person about to perform. She grasped on to her friends hand for comfort. 98

“Um Dana, can you let go a bit. I’m losing circulation in my hand.” Mackenzie giggled. 99

“Oh sorry.” Dana chuckled. 100

“Dana, you’re going to be fine.” Mackenzie assured. 101

“You sure?” Dana asked. 102

“Very! And I’ll be with you the entire time.” Mackenzie promised. Dana cocked an eyebrow at her friend. 103

“Okay so I won’t be in the operating room, but I’ll be in the waiting room, praying, and I’ll stay with you while you’re in recovery.” Mackenzie replied. Dana laughed and plugged in her iPod. 104

The flight landed at 8:30 P.M. Eastern Time, the girls went through more security and baggage claim. After a cool two hours at the airport they made it to the hotel they would be staying at; Chesapeake Bay Ritz Carlton. 105

“Dana your one hell of a lucky bitch.” Mackenzie exclaimed. Dana laughed.106

“This is what you get when you have a good heart like mine.” 107

“Girls we have to be at the hospital at 8 A.M. I suggest we eat just a small salad and go to bed.” Mrs. Daughtery proclaimed. Mackenzie agreed with her mother. As the girls were eating their chicken salads, Mackenzie said one of the craziest things Dana has ever heard. 108

“I say we skinny dip with a couple of hot guys I met downstairs.” 109

“Kenzie are you freakin nuts?” Dana exclaimed.110

“No because I don’t have a penis. A little messed up in the head but you love me.” Mackenzie laughed. Dana laughed and stuffed her face. 111

“So what do you think?” She asked. 112

“I don’t know….” She said wearily. 113

“Oh come on it’ll be fun.” Mackenzie pleaded. Dana didn’t make up her mind just yet. 114

“Here they gave me their room number, I’ll get them to come over.” Mackenzie negotiated. She picked up the phone and began dialing the boy’s room number. Two minutes later the guys arrived at Mackenzie’s and Dana’s room. Mackenzie opened the door, and her breath was easily taken away at how yummy looking these boys were. Dana’s jaw dropped to the floor. 115

“So when are we going to the pool.” She giggled. 116

“Now.” Said one of the boys. Dana got off her bed and ran to catch up with her friend and the boys. Unfortunately during their little fun, the manager busted them. For Dana it was embarrassing having a 40-something year old man stare at her B-cup boobs without any coverage. The girls went back to their room and tried to get some shut eye. 117

Next morning, six A.M. Mackenzie’s mom walked into the room. She pulled the covers off both girls, but they pulled the covers back over their heads. 118

“Girls get up! We have somewhere to be soon.” Mrs. Daughtery said. The girls grumbled something and went back to bed. A dessert tray belonging to room service was left outside in the hall. Mrs. Daughtery sneaked outside and checked underneath one of the caps to the plates. 119

“A plate of chocolate chip cookies. And they’re warm and fresh perfect.” She thought. She stole the plate and tiptoed back inside the girl’s room. She guided the plate underneath both girls’ noses. Mackenzie started sniffing like a search dog on a trace. 120

“mmmm Chocolate chip cookies GIMME!” Mackenzie’s eyes shot open. She reached for a cookie but her mother took away the plate before she could get her hands on a cookie. 121

“Get your friend up and get dressed then you can have one.” 122

Mackenzie stuck her tongue out at her mother, and her mother made the motion of cutting scissors with her fingers. Mrs. Daughtery left, and Mackenzie took Dana’s iPod, put it on “Face down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and blasted it in Dana’s ears.123

“Are you trying to make me go deaf?” Dana snapped.124

“No just trying to get you up. Cause we get chocolate cookies for breakfast.” Mackenzie laughed. 125

“Oooooo GIMME!” Dana demanded. The girls got dressed and met Mrs. Daughtery downstairs. 126

“Hello, you must be Dana. I’m Monique, and before you go into surgery I’ll be looking after you.” Said a student nurse. Dana smiled a bit,127

“Hi… I’m Mrs. Daughtery. And this is my daughter Mackenzie.” Greeted Mrs. Daughtery.128

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Said Monique. They all began walking towards the elevator. The elevator stopped on the fourth floor. They strolled out and walked into a private room, decorated with several bouquets of hibiscus. Dana and Mackenzie were in awe at how beautiful the flowers were. 129

“The family of the patient you’re giving your kidney to arranged this.” The nurse informed. 130

“You didn’t release my name did you?” Dana questioned131

“Nope. Dr. Wilcox said not to.” 132

“Phew!” 133

Dr. Wilcox came in. 134

“Dana, all bright eyed and bushy-tailed I see.” He greeted. 135

“Yep.” Dana cheered. 136

“Well Craig’s family is here, and my staff is preparing him for surgery. I suggest we do the same thing with you.” Dr. Wilcox ordered. 137

“Dana we’ll be waiting for you in the waiting room.” Mrs. Daughtery said. Mackenzie ran up to her friend and embraced her in a huge bear hug. The girls said their goodbyes, and Dr. Wilcox guided Dana into a wheelchair and wheeled her into another portion of the hospital. 138

Three hours went by, Mackenzie checked her watched. 139

“You think she’s going to be okay mama?” 140

“Kenzie she’s going to be fine. She’s your best friend have a little faith.” Mrs. Daughtery replied. Mackenzie went back to listening to her iPod. In the waiting room was a family of six: mother, father, two other sons, and two grandparents. One of the sons was pacing around the room like a new father waiting for his wife to give birth. 141

“Mark sit down.” Said the father. 142

“How can you all be calm, My brother is in there fighting for his life.” Mark exclaimed.143

Mackenzie put her iPod on pause, got up from her seat and walked over to the family. 144

“Hi, I’m Mackenzie, I’m sorry for intruding but I couldn’t help overhearing your worried conversation. I just wanted to say I’m more than assured your brother, son, and grandson will pull through. He’s going to be okay.” Mackenzie replied. 145

“And just how do you know this?” Mark asked. 146

“Has your brother ever talked about a Dana?” Mackenzie asked147

“Yeah he has.” Mark agreed, still confused. 148

“Dana Hernandez?” 149

“Yeah she is his friend from Nevada. She’s a sweet girl.” The mother interjected.150

“That’s my friend, and she’s his donor.” Mackenzie smiled. The two boys stared at Mackenzie in shock, the two grandparents for the miracle God had granted, and the parents began tearing up in joy. A woman doctor, dressed in a green jumpsuit opened the waiting room door. 151

“Mrs. Daughtery.” She called. Mackenzie and her mom walked up to the doctor. 152

“Dana is in recovery now, she came out of the anesthesia but she is asleep. She did request to see the both of you.” The Doctor informed. Mackenzie smiled from ear to ear as all three of them began to disappear into the hallway. 153

“Miss!” Craig’s mom called out. Craig’s mom untangled herself from the jungle of family members she was in and walked towards the doctor. 154

“The family you just spoke to… they’re the family my son’s kidney donor?” She asked. 155

“The hospital has strict obligations on telling families of loved ones who need transplants, where and who the transplants came from, but the patient asked to tell you, and only you.” The surgeon replied. “Yes the family I just spoke to, they are the family accompanying your son’s donor.” 156

Craig’s mom placed her hands in a praying manner and thanked God for this miracle. 157

“Would you happen to know when my son gets out of surgery?” Craig’s mom asked.158

“Being that we just finished the donor’s surgery, and the other surgeons are possibly starting to place in his new kidney, it could be a couple of more hours.” The female doctor informed. Mrs. Taylor sighed, smiled and said her thank yous. The surgeon was about to walk away, but she turned around and called for Mrs. Taylor again. Craig’s mom turned around in response. 159

“I was in the preparation service part before the donor went in for surgery, and she told me she knows your son….” The surgeon started. Mrs. Taylor smiled.160

“That is what we heard from the blonde girl that went in with you a couple of minutes ago.” 161

“The donor asked that after she has a bit of time with two people who accompanied her to the hospital, she would like to see you.” 162

“That’s great!” Mrs. Taylor beamed. 163

“I’ll come get you when she asks.” The surgeon grinned. “Dana, said thank you for the beautiful flowers.” 164

Mrs. Taylor sat back down and began praying. Everyone in the Taylor family was hugging, crying, and praying as well. 165

Like the surgeon promised, she would come get Mrs. Taylor to visit Dana, and when Dana requested it, the rest of the family could join. When Mrs. Taylor walked into Dana’s room, Dana immediately pushed herself up right. 166

“Mary!” Dana exclaimed and opened her arms for a hug. 167

“Dana!” Mrs. Taylor exclaimed too and returned the hug. “Dana I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thanked god for you. You are a complete miracle worker.” 168

Dana smiled, “Thank you.” 169

Three hours passed and no word from doctors about Craig. Mrs. Taylor began to get worried. She was pacing nervously around the waiting room. Dana was released but she and Mackenzie waited with Craig’s family. Mackenzie had fallen asleep, and Dana was listening to her friend’s mp3 player and fooling around with the borrowed wheel chair. Mark had fallen asleep, and the other was playing a video game. Dad and grandpa had fallen asleep and Craig’s grandma was knitting to pass the time. A door cracked open and everybody shot up from their seats in hopes it was Craig’s physician, but all hopes were shot back down when it was just another visitor leaving the hospital. Once the visitor was gone, minutes on the clock passed slower than an Amazonian sloth. Mrs. Taylor sighed loudly, hoping to wake up Craig’s father but it didn’t work. She lightly hit him upside the hit. He woke up, then went back to sleep. 170

Creeeeeeeeek171

The door creaked open, Dr. Sullivan, Craig’s doctor came out in white lab coat and carried a clipboard with him. 172

“Mrs. Taylor.” He called. The look in Dr. Sullivan’s eyes was not good. 173

“Oh no.” Dana thought. Mackenzie must have felt the vibe from her friend because She gently placed her hand on her friend’s knee for comfort. Dana grabbed her friend’s hand and gripped it tightly. Dr. Sullivan and Mrs. Taylor were talking so low nobody could hear what they were saying, but Dana could read Mary’s actions. She knew it wasn’t good when Mrs. Taylor began to tear up. 174

“Mrs. Taylor, I suggest we play some soft music he likes, or talking him gently might help. But don’t be alarmed if he doesn’t exactly where he is, if he wakes up.” Dr. Sullivan suggested. 175

“When.” She corrected.176

“Excuse me?” Dr. Sullivan asked.177

“You said if he wakes up. I’m correcting you… When he wakes up.” 178

Dr. Sullivan decided not to argue. He started to escort Mary towards her son’s recovery room, but she turned around and waved her hand for Dana to join her. Dr. Sullivan was bit puzzled but decided not to question it. Mackenzie wheeled her friend to Dr. Sullivan and Craig’s mom. 179

“I’ll wait here.” Mackenzie responded softly. 180

“Mackenzie you can come.” Mrs. Taylor replied. Mackenzie smiled from ear to ear and joined the three of them. It was a long walk of solicitude to get to Craig’s room. Once they arrived, They viewed Craig lying there hooked up to several wires: IV, heart monitor, plus several others. Mary strolled towards her son’s bedside. She began the retelling of a bedtime story he loved when he was little. It didn’t work. Mrs. Taylor began to get worried. She started tearing up. 181

“Doctor he won’t wake up.” 182

“Can I try?” Dana raised her hand. Dr. Sullivan and Mrs. Taylor smiled and helped her up from the chair. Mackenzie took Mrs. Taylor’s place and guided her friend to Craig’s bedside. 183

“Kenzie, ipod please.” Dana asked. Mackenzie turned her mp3 player back on and handed it to Dana. Dana fooled around with it until she found the song she was looking for. She placed the earplugs in his ears turned the volume down a bit and pressed played. 184

Chemistry was crazy from the get go 185

Neither one of us knew why 186

We didn't build nothin' over night 187

Cause a love like this takes some time 188

People swore it off as a phase said "We can't see that" 189

Now top from bottom they see that we did that (Yes) 190

It's so true that (Yes) 191

We've been through it (Yes) 192

We got real sh.. (Yes) 193

See, baby we've been 194

Dana pulled the earphones out of his ears, and put the music on pause. Dana leaned over the side and whispered in Craig’s ears. 195

“Craig, you remember that song? You dedicated it to me right before my birthday this year. It’s me Dana.” She said softly. She pulled back and rested back into her wheel chair.196

Watchers who are watching their loved one wake up either from a coma or anesthesia know that to the naked eye their loved one’s eyes look as if they magically flutter open, but we all know that if we were the one just waking up from anesthesia, it doesn’t feel like our eyes magically flutter open and we’re as perfect as can be. We know that when we do wake up we feel a great deal of pain. To Mrs. Taylor, Dr. Sullivan, Mackenzie, and Dana, Craig’s eyes fluttering open did seem like it came straight out of a dream. His eyes shifted from side to side. 197

“Craig?” His mother called. He didn’t answer. 198

“Craig.” Dr. Sullivan started. He pulled out his clipboard. “Son you just came out of an intensive surgery. Your name is Craig Grant Taylor, you’re 15 years old. You live at 1233 juicer drive in Chesapeake bay, Virginia. You’re at Chesapeake Bay Memorial hospital. Your family is all here and even your friends are here.”199

“Like who?” Were Craig’s first words. 200

“Dana… and Mackenzie.” Dr. Sullivan replied. 201

“DANA?” He asked excitedly. 202

“Hi Craig.” Dana whispered. 203

“Dana.” He said again, this time with more ease, like he knew exactly where he was. Mackenzie helped her friend stand up once again. Dana bunny-hopped over the foot pegs to the wheel chair to prevent herself from tripping. Doing so, she ended up tripping. She accidentally fell into Craig’s arms. Both of them made an “oomph” sound, but began laughing. 204

“Dana what are you doing here.” He asked. 205

“I couldn’t stay in Nevada knowing my friend was having surgery, and there was nothing I could do.” Dana replied. He pulled her closer into a hug. 206

“You didn’t have to come. You know that.” He replied.207

“Oh I think I had a good reason to come.” She winked. Craig was still in shock that his friend was in Virginia with him. He began moving his hands up and down her body, just making sure he wasn’t dreaming. (Haha don’t worry it wasn’t in a perverted way) When the thought registered in his mind that she was there he pulled her into another hug. This time his arms were wrapped underneath her arms, and around her hips.208

“Ouch.” She cried out in pain. She placed her hand where doctors had cut her open and sewn her back up. Craig looked at her worried. 209

“I’m fine. I’m just sore there.” She smiled, she lifted her black sweater enough to show where the stitches where. He ran his hands across the area.210

“What happened?” he began to ask. 211

“I just had some work done so I could save someone’s life.” She replied. 212

“Whose?” He asked. 213

“Your’s.” Dr. Sullivan Interjected. He looked confused at all the people that we’re in the room. 214

“Dana was your kidney donor, Craig. She saved you from being taken away from the people who really need you.” His mom replied. Craig looked at Dana with mixed emotions: Confused, Love, Happiness. 215

“Mrs. Taylor it is normal for our patients to be extremely tired once out of surgery, what do you say all of us leave and give him time to sleep?” Dr. Sullivan questioned. Everybody agreed and began walking out. Craig asked Dana to stay with him, and she gladly agreed. Dr. Sullivan, Mrs. Taylor, and Mackenzie left the room.216

“Why did you do it?” He asked. 217

“I couldn’t live with myself if I just sat there and did nothing while my friend was fighting for his life.” Dana replied. 218

“You didn’t have to… You even said so yourself if I died I would be in a better place.”219

“I know, but I wasn’t ready to lose my best friend. And you have saved me plenty of times. I wanted to feel like I saved you at least once.” She said. 220

“Come here.” He whispered. She pushed herself up from the wheelchair, and held onto the rails. He reached for her hand and massaged it gently. 221

“What are you doing?” She asked quietly. He pushed down the rails, scooted over and patted the open space next to him, indicating for her to sit next to him. She smiled and scooted herself onto the bed. They slid down on the bed and lied next to each other. He was still caressing her hand, and playing around with her fingers, latching his in between hers. 222

“Dana I’m really lucky you’re my friend. If it weren’t for you I would have been dead.” He said gently. She started blushing; He loved the way she blushed. She started smiling; he loved that even more. Both of them fell asleep next to each other. Luckily none of the wires resulted in tangles between the two of them. Dana awoke a couple of hours later. She looked to her left and Craig was asleep soundly and peacefully. She didn’t have the heart to move him, or move herself; she grabbed a small notebook from her tote bag and began writing. 223

“Life. We all strive through our journey trying to figure out just what life is. We begin school, homework, working, graduating, and raising families, and in the amidst of it all we forget what life really is. We’re not supposed to forget about life, but somewhere we do. We forget what fun we had when we were in grade school, we forget the laughs we had with our friends in junior high, and we forget the friendships and romances we had once we step out of our sheltered lives and head straight into the big world. Now as naïve as some people may call me, I say life is not about it giving YOU a meaning. Life is about YOU giving LIFE a meaning, even if it’s not your own life you’re giving meaning too. I can say this from experience and I can say this without being naïve. I have a friend, his name is Craig Taylor. He’s your all around American boy. On the inside something was killing him, physically. He had cancer in his kidney, and he needed a kidney transplant. Doctors gave him a 25% chance of living if he had this life-altering surgery. If you know Craig, you know he’s a fighter and a survivor, but it takes a really strong friend to see that what he was saying to me on November 27th, 2006 he was scared. Scared of life, scared of death, scared for his friends and family, scared for himself. I’ve always believed Craig was a hero, but even the best heroes meet a fight that succumbs them; Cancer was the fight that was about to consume my friend. No matter how hard you try to describe the loss of a friend, nobody can show you the empathy you need. Nobody can say “I know how it is.” because truthfully they don’t. They’ve experienced pain like the pain you’re experiencing but it’s still not the same. I thank god, I did not have to describe that feeling of losing a friend to several people. In reality I believe God thanks me, because if it wasn’t for me he would have had to take the soul of an angel who belonged on Earth. I donated my kidney to the best friend I wasn’t ready to lose. Life did give me a meaning, it gave me the meaning of knowing I did something most people wouldn’t do. But remember I gave someone else’s life a better and fuller meaning. All in all, don’t just give your life a meaning, give someone else’s life a meaning. Trust me they’ll be thankful for your generosity.”224