My blessings go out to the both of you.
When Alberta Ellis was told by doctors in December that her kidneys had been damaged by congestive heart failure, she had not imagined how drastically her life would change in the coming year.
She had not imagined she would be tethered to a dialysis machine, having to rush back even from the grocery store to undergo dialysis four times a day -- at 8 a.m., noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. She had not imagined that the same machine that kept her alive would take away her freedom.
She had not imagined she would end up with three kidneys in her body, or that one of them would be from her son Eric.
Of the Ellises' three children, Eric is always the first to help out. When he discovered his mother was having health problems, his first thoughts were to move home and see whether the two were compatible for a kidney transplant.
Although he knew the transplants are often much harder on the donor's body, Eric never wavered in his decision.
"There was no stopping me," he said, grinning at his mother.
On Feb. 6, mother and son discovered they were a match.
"I kind of had the feeling we would be," Eric said.
"We matched right from the beginning," his mother replied.
The two went into surgery July 11. Eric had three holes cut into him for his laparoscopic surgery. Mrs. Ellis left surgery with 56 sutures and a healthy kidney.
When Eric woke up in a hospital room at MCG down the hall from his sleeping mother, he was in a lot of pain, but another sensation overpowered it.
"Emotionally, I felt real good doing it for my mom. Once it was over and I saw my mom, I felt a sense of closeness ... a sense of fulfillment," he said.
The two recovered together, which made it easier to sympathize with the weakness and aches. Mrs. Ellis' husband, Edward, cooked the two soup and became their personal nurse.
Although Mrs. Ellis must take 23 pills a day and have check-ups to make sure her body doesn't reject her son's kidney, she will have the freedom to garden and travel -- two activities dialysis took away from her.
Eric and his mother have a bond very few people can claim.
"I know this will change my life. Now I will be able to pick up and go," Mrs. Ellis said. "I'm just glad it's behind us and we can look forward to our life and be healthy."
Comments
My blessings go out to the both of you.
Mrs. Ellis I have a precious son like your Eric. I am one of the few people that can claim that bond also. God bless you and your son.
That was a wonderful act of love and I hope she can get off all those 23 pills which can have mulitple side effects.
What a heartwarming story. The selflessness of Eric shows his love and devotion to his mother. May you both enjoy good health in the coming years.
Mrs. Ellis is truely blessed to have a son as loving and giving as Eric! May GOD pour out HIS healing blessings on them both.
To God be the Glory for all that he has done for both of you. There are some daughters and sons that never speak to or honor their mother let alone giving up an organ from their boby for them.This young man will be rewarded by God for his sacred and lovingkindness towards his parents. This is a miracle from God. Meditate on Isaiah 53;5,6. Jesus was wounded for your transgressions, he (Jesus)was bruised for your iniquities, the chastisement of your peace was upon him (Jesus) and by his(Jesus) stripes you are healed. No weapon that is formed against you shall be able to prosper. Isaiah 54:17. God shall also give you a new heart and a refreshed mind. Be Blessed!!!
Praise God for His mercies and grace...May God continue to bring healing Mrs. Ellis and will bless your son Eric for the rest of his days...
Now that is a cool story. True love.
honor thy mother and thy father , mrs. ellis you have that kind of son . may god continue to bless you and heal you . what an awsome god we serve .
It's always a wonderful thing to have a loving relationship with your child regardless but especially when a need such as this comes along. So refreshing to have a story without negative remarks being made. Wishing you both a speedy recovery and long journey throughout the remainder of life.
That's love.
This is such a true story of love for mother and child...no gangbanging or shootings. Chronicle, please continue to report these local stories of true heroes and their actions.
God is LOVE and to all who commented and to Eric and his family (especially his mother) I love you very much even though we have not met in the flesh. We have definitely met in the SPIRIT.That's all that counts. The flesh profiteth nothing.
This is the kind of story we need to hear about young MEN. I don't know the young man, but I know he is a man, a real man. I wish him all the success in the world and just know he will be successful what ever he does.
This was a great, feel good story...something that is so rare in the Augusta Chronicle. What a wonderful sefless young man. And what a precious blessing for the both of them.
A wonderful act of love. Blessings to your family...
Thank you for this story.Bless the mother and the son.
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