A tough story to tell

When it started two years ago, I mentioned that I had kidney disease and was starting dialysis. I've been "on the list" for some time, and thought often about my unsure future. Though, for the record, it's a very manageable lifestyle and not that bad, certainly not a death sentence.

What a week. Last Thursday afternoon I get a phone call from my brother-in-law that instead of 'Hello', starts with "What's your blood type?" I answer, there's background chatter, and my sister comes on. Very bad news. My wonderful 38 year-old nephew has died suddenly of an unexpected seizure... you can imagine the conversation. We trade some information, I call my clinic, then my hospital. I work the next day, then go home to await a call. Surgery Saturday afternoon. 75 hours later, I come back home. Pretty amazing.

I'm still in shock over Marc's death, pleased by all the tributes to him on Facebook, pleased that his other kidney, his heart, and his corneas are going to new recipients. While I obviously collect redlines, Marc did Star Wars. After he sold his childhood collection while still a child, I jumpstarted his adult collecting one Christmas with a Landspeeder and eight figures (we are a family of collectors). Any of you who do Facebook, feel free to look us up. I'm Phil Roessle , his name is Marc Materka , and we're the [I]only[/I] ones with those spellings on FB.

I don't post as much these days, but I've been around since the original board (pre-matrix) way back when, and had over 2,000 posts as "phildirt". I've met some of you at Irvine 2001 and Atlanta (2004?)

Thanks for reading -- here's a copy of my facebook post:

Marc Materka 1973-2011

To all my FB friends who haven't been made aware -- With a very heavy heart I share that my wonderful nephew Marc Materka passed away suddenly and tragically last week of seizure/drowning at age 38, totally unexpected. Please look him up from my list and you'll see many tributes as he touched many lives.
After two years of dialysis, I now have one of Marc's kidneys in me, operating wonderfully well. I've just returned from the hospital for a month of recuperation. This return to a normal life is quite a bittersweet gift, one I do not take lightly, one I'd gladly give up to have Marc back. Life takes some crazy turns, and I don't ever expect to figure this one out, but thank you Marc.

You have pm

Thanks for sharing your story and I'm very happy to hear that your surgery went so well. I'm also very sorry for your loss. The Lord works in mysterious ways for sure and it's clear that your work here has just begun. All the best to you and your family. Sincerely, Gary!!

Sorry for your loss & congratulations on your victory. One good thing a part of him will always be with you.

Wow..that is quite a story Phil. I'm sure you have some extreme emotions going on,but ultimately his life has inproved yours.

Glad you referenced your old ID,as I forgot your were Phildirt.

Sad for the familie's loss, and yet encouraged with your new transplant news. Stop by more often.

Frank

Phildirt! I never knew who postretro was, now I know. Good to see you friend! I remember a long time ago you mentioned having some serious health issues. That was looooooooong ago...
So sorry about your nephew and I feel for his family.
I do think it's very cool that you now have more than a memory of him with you...hope all goes well with you, and it is certainly nice connecting the dots. I suppose the cat swinging the mallet avatar might have helped connect the dots!

Take good care of yourself bro!

Phil, my condolences on your Nephew. Best wishes to you from a little ways up I-26.

Best wishes Phil! Miss you!

Wow...

Phil!

Always wondered what happened to "Phildirt". Us Carolina guys should start keeping up with each other. So sorry to learn of your nephew .... his untimely passing is now a blessing to others. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Glad to hear you are recovering well. I'll be sending a FB friend request (Matt Driscoll) ..... Take care!

Phil,

Reading this leaves a tear in my eye.
As somber as Matt passing is the life that he has helped to give others is a mircale.
"Gods Speed" to your whole family & gald to see you posting again too.

John

Wow! congrats on the new lease on life your nephew has given you and others. Sorry for his passing. Best out to you and your family.

Thank you everybody for all the kind comments, it means a lot. You guys are great.
His memorial is July 17 in Ann Arbor, MI. [I][B]~p[/B][/I]

[url]www.MarcMaterka.com[/url]

God bless you and your family!
Wheels