A call was received that a young man in a nearby city needed blood because he would soon require a transfusion because his one and only kidney was failing and he was waiting for a compatible kidney donor. The word went out into the community and many life-giving donors came to his aid with a blood drive. His father explained that his son was born prematurely weighing only 2 pounds. He grew and developed into a very healthy typical teenager.

His father was a black belt instructor while in the service, so it was only right that he pass these skills on to his son. The boy took to his training like a duck takes to water, and to his father's pleasure, the boy became a state champion.

The boy began to have a nagging discomfort in his lower abdomen, but being a tough black belt champion, he ignored it. It got worse – much worse. After his doctor's examination it was discovered that the boy had only 1 kidney that was located, not in the normal area, but in the lower frontal area. The kidney had been damaged from the blows over the years of black belt activities.

When the blood drive was over, the staff went to the boy's family-owned restaurant where the dad tearfully shared this story while he cooked dinner for the staff. As we were leaving the restaurant, the dad hugged each and every member of our crew, and with tears still in his eyes thanked them again and again.

Some days are just better than others! Pay it forward.

Rick
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