My first blog by Nelson Jaime 7/20/2023

I came to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ in 2013 (I’ll give more details on that major life event some time in a future post, stay tuned!) and my Pastor spurred me on to write for the glory of God, if you had some talent (and we all do) he believed you needed to use it to praise God, because of course He blessed you with that gift. He would say “everyone in this church is a worker” meaning that sitting on the sidelines isn’t an option. I have done my best to live with that thought as my one of the driving forces in my life and what I do for God’s glory. I’m not always successful but when I do something for Him I go all out but that was put to the test when I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) but worst of all was going on dialysis, which I’ve been on for just over two years now. I’ve continued to write, draw, and create through my illness and God, His Son, and His Holy Spirit has inspired me and strengthened me through all my trials and tribulations. Every week I want to try to bring you an unpublished poem or excerpt from an upcoming project. The highlighted work this week is “KIDNEY GHETTOS” and it was my exercise to try and deal with my current situation of dialysis 3 times a week and all that entails. I never want to be felt sorry for, I just want people to understand what some people are going through every day and be more thankful so that they understand the adage “there but for the grace of God go I”.

KIDNEY GHETTOS by NELSON JAIME MAY 18, 2021

I lie to myself; living like all is well and good,

But I’m dancing on fire, and I’m made out of wood.

Only two quarts of water to consume all day,

Almost impossible to keep the thirst at bay,

Swallowing my meds like so much rotten candy,

Non-functioning taste buds, now that would be handy!

Needles in my arm painful reminders of my state,

Too much to handle, feeling crushed by the weight,

Nonfunctioning organs have changed my life for the worst,

Nonfunctioning kidneys makes me feel like I’m cursed!

During the day I act as if I am normal and flawless,

In the middle of the night, I go out as if I were lawless.

I drive to a building whose appearance is dreary,

Arrive at four thirty in the morn; most are weary.

Always greeted by warm smiles as I enter,

You would not think that death lingers in this center.

Onto the scale to keep track of my liquid transgressions,

To get prepped for my four-hour hemodialysis session.

Disinfecting Swabs to sanitize the area to be invaded,

Then a tourniquet that the veins be persuaded,

They remove their weapons from their sterilized sheath,

They’ve not touch me yet, but I start to clench my teeth,

One needle drains all my life’s blood out,

The other brings it in to stay off the drought,

Toxins filtered out by the necessary contraption,

Miraculous apparatus but I see it as assassin,

Four hours chained to the vampiric beast,

Saving me, from me, becoming deceased,

Needles like daggers driven into my veins,

I cry out to my Father but I still feel the pains,

my arm meat invaded by intravenous stilettos,

I’m just one of the many citizens of the kidney ghettos.

Four hours up I have been maintained and serviced,

They are done with me, another day of life purchased.

I go home acting like I am a normal human,

But I am dying slowly life is just an illusion.

I hear the phone ring I pray God is today the day,

Has someone moved on but their kidney is here to stay?

I fantasize hearing those wonderful words of relief,

But my cell phone flashes “scam likely” O the grief!

I want to go stand on the street and shout in the air:

Hey brother or sister do you have a kidney to spare?

Would any react and acknowledge me; my pleads?

Would anyone even stop and listen or consider my needs?

I will not be surprised if I’m ignored and forgotten,

My only hope is the Son; Jesus Christ the only begotten!

Lord, I lay my needs in your mighty right hand,

kick my doubt to the curb on your providence I will stand!

I would appreciate a miracle God, some needed healing,

But I will take a living donor, it would leave me reeling,

Or a match and a hit on the transplant list,

What a great blessing I just couldn’t resist!

Father whatever your will I will abide,

I know I am not alone you are by my side.

With all that said Father God I cry out,

I am tired of this life knocking me about,

Please send help in whatever form you see fit,

But please God do it before I give up and quit.

I am tired and do not have much left in my tank,

I am running on empty like an insolvent bank,

My hope is in you God, your Son, and your Spirit,

My prayer and the prayers of others, I know you hear it.

Please answer in the affirmative that your name be glorified,

And your Spirit be acknowledged, and your Son be amplified.

Till I come home please continue to watch over,

Thank you, Father God, the Great I AM, LORD JEHOVAH!

PLEASE HELP

· 1 in 3 Americans are potentially at risk for kidney disease.

· 15% of U.S. adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD)—that is about 37 million people.

· Over 100,00 people are waiting for a kidney transplant.

That is fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, family and friends; you can be a lifeline for someone with kidney disease.

If you want more information or want to see if you are eligible to donate a kidney, go to:

WWW.KIDNEY.ORG

If you are interested in learning more about my story or in being tested to see if you are eligible to donate to me, please visit:

WWW.NKR.ORG/XTE675

Thank you

And

God bless!