AS I’M WRITING this blog post, I’m listening to a special song called Light That Bucket by The Bucketeers. I’m also watching Facebook and CaringBridge.org for updates about a kidney transplant happening in Florida today.
My childhood friends from the 60’s back in Great Falls, Montana—brother and sister, George and Lisa White—are bonding in a way most of us never have a chance to experience. Lisa is donating a kidney to George (it gives me goose bumps to write that).
The song Light That Bucket has become my symbol of success for George and Lisa’s surgery. The Bucketeers are Tom Lash on guitar and vocals, Gary “Mr. Z” Zajac on washtub bass, and George White on banjo.
Yep, this is George’s very own band!
Of all the songs they’ve posted on YouTube, this one is the best representation of the amazing spirit to live and keep on keepin’ on. Every time I hear it I feel both entertained and uplifted.
Please join me in listening to Light That Bucket in honor of George and Lisa’s swift recovery from surgery.
Light That Bucket was written by Tom Lash. Performed at River Roost on Merritt Island by the Bucketeers:
For those receiving this blog post by email: If the video doesn’t show up here’s the YouTube link where you can hear the song:
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June 20, 2009: Lisa got out of the hospital yesterday and already walked a mile with her husband Dan today. George will be out of the hospital tomorrow, in time for his 11-year-old daughter’s birthday on Wednesday. Hooray!
And it’s Lisa’s birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LISA!
Here’s an article about George & Lisa in Florida Today:
Colleague gets a new lease on life – by Suzy Fleming Leonard
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CaringBridge Free, personalized websites that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery.
It has been amazing to receive journal updates from George during the lead-up to the kidney transplant. And I’ve enjoyed being able to leave my comments on his updates. What a great way to stay in touch with someone going through an illness when distance separates. George has supporters on CaringBridge from all over the place; Toronto, South America, you name it!
Glad your friends are doing well through surgery.
CaringBridge sounds like a nice website. I didn't know something like that existed.
Glad to see you're finally alive and kicking today. Was getting worried about you. 🙂
Milli,
My sister needs a kidney transplant and I am not a candidate to donate to her because I am diabetic. I need all the kidneys I've got. She's on dialysis.
This brother/sister team who have helped each other in this way are tremendous. Wish I could do the same.
Mindy
Wow! That's an amazing story! 😀
I've heard of CaringBridge. I wonder if my cousin was on it before she died. She died from diabetes, I think. She had it all her life. She'll be missed by many.
Once again I almost find myself at a loss for words. That one sibling would give of herself, so the other can remain on this earth not only gives me goose bumps, it brings tears of joy.
After the tribute you did for Lisa and George, they must be proud to call you friend. I think what you did Milli is wonderful. Everyone wishes for a friend such as yourself.
I hope they both have a successful, and speedy recovery.
George has to stick around, not only for his family, but he plays a mean banjo. I'm sure he would be sorely missed.
John