by john f. martin, jr. john's dad

I want John to know that I hope in some small way this helps make up for the many times I was not there for him as he was growing up. I will always regret that; it will go down as a great failure on my part.

For those of you who have commended the kidney donation as courageous, fantastic, wonderful -- my thanks to you, but it is none of those. This is one of those things that, quite simply, one does for a child in need.

Patty and Amelia: For putting up with me -- yes, I'll admit it, although this has been a "no brainer," it has been stressful -- I owe you. Amelia, you still do have to clean up your room!

Amber: Hang in there! You have been great, and I'll threaten to take the kidney back if John becomes too much of a jerk!

Fellow triathletes, your support has been great. Stay in shape and look what happens: You, too, can have someone cut out body parts!

Want to donate a kidney? Call Northwestern. It is a great team and they do everything they can to make the entire process as hassle free as possible. Way to go, Doug and Denae!

So, the plan has now come together, a direct result of a multitude of blessings for which we can only thank God, who has been good to us. We go forward from here.