On Love and Transplants: A New York City Mom’s Journey to Finding Home in Omaha

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When reflecting on the journey of motherhood, one might not anticipate the challenges that accompany it, particularly when health issues arise. My experience began with a decision that many might deem unwise: hosting a sleepover for my daughter’s 12th birthday at a downtown Omaha hotel.

The evening unfolded with my daughter, Lily, and her friends indulging in deep-dish pizza and an overabundance of chocolate cake. The excitement culminated in a caffeine-fueled dash to Starbucks, where I, burdened with indigestion, opted for Alka-Seltzer instead of a sugary treat. As the girls settled down to watch The Theory of Everything, I found it difficult to contain my laughter during a poignant moment that left them in tears. “Mom, go to your room,” Lily instructed, a lighthearted reminder of the generational divide.

Our lives had not always been filled with laughter or sleepover antics. From the beginning, Lily faced significant medical challenges. Diagnosed with gastroschisis while still in utero, she was born with a life-threatening condition where her intestines developed outside her body. Our initial home was the neonatal intensive care unit in New York City, where she spent seven months relying on tube feeding and intravenous nutrition to survive.

At the age of three, we learned of an intestinal rehabilitation program at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha. With hope, we arrived, optimistic that a treatment plan would be developed quickly. However, within three months, Lily’s cirrhotic liver failed, necessitating a small bowel, liver, and pancreas transplant, which she received on July 20, 2006—her “re-birthday.” Initially, the word “transplant” felt overwhelmingly distant and frightening, but the support from our world-class medical team became a lifeline.

This prompted us to sell our New York home and relocate to Omaha, a city I had scarcely heard of before. The transition was undeniably a culture shock. Friends and family often expressed disbelief at our move. “You left New York for Omaha?” they would ask, astonished. Yet, amidst the unfamiliarity, I quickly came to appreciate the simple joys of life here: children playing outside until dusk, manageable traffic, and an affordable cost of living.

As time passed, I transformed from a high-strung New Yorker, obsessed with area codes, into a more relaxed individual open to accepting help and community. Encouraging Lily to adopt a similar mindset, I often share wisdom that I’ve learned: “Feel the fear, and it will wash through you.”

Flying into Omaha now, I still glance at the skyline, a reminder of my roots. Yet, I’ve come to understand that home transcends geography; it’s a state of being defined by love and connection. As I navigate this new chapter, I embrace the fact that you can indeed thrive beyond your natural environment, especially when fortified by support—be it from friends, family, or a comforting dose of Alka-Seltzer.

For those considering their own journey into parenthood, resources like Resolve can provide valuable insights. Additionally, consider exploring Make a Mom for guidance on home insemination techniques. And for further reading, visit Intracervical Insemination to keep your journey informed.

In summary, navigating the challenges of motherhood—especially in the face of medical crises—can lead to unexpected personal growth and new definitions of home. Embracing support and community while fostering resilience can make all the difference.