‘Every day ought to be Thanksgiving’

Dad grateful son alive after donating life-saving kidney

It was, in some ways, the best of Thanksgivings for Ryan Buchheit, even if it didn’t feel that way when it began.

His youngest son, 20month-old Joshua, was absent, still confined to a bed at Children’s Hospital recuperating from surgery two weeks earlier in which he received a life-saving kidney from Dad.

“We wanted to make it a normal holiday for his brothers,” Buchheit said. “But the thought of him hanging out by himself bothered me. Then halfway through the meal we were sent a picture showing him being cuddled by his nurse. I can’t tell you how much that meant to us.”

Joshua was unborn when an ultrasound revealed the road ahead would not be a smooth one and, coming from Virginia, the family wasn’t familiar with the legendary Boston hospital.

“When we arrived they told us there was a high chance Josh might not make it, and if he did he was going to need a transplant. The doctor was so comforting, matter-of-factly making it sound as if taking an organ from one body and putting it into another was as routine as replacing the alternator on your car.

“Then it was determined I would be a good match.

“My wife, Jen, was awesome, telling me not to feel any pressure. But I told her, ‘You brought him into this world and I’m going to do whatever I can to keep him here.’ ”

Shortly after that surgery, Buchheit left his own bed at the adjacent Brigham and Women’s Hospital to stand by Joshua’s side.

“I believe he’s still around for a reason,” he said. “I love that verse in the Bible where God says before He formed us in the womb He knew the plans He had for us. I’m already anxious to see what that plan is for Joshua because I think it’s going to be awesome.”

Now the only question on his mind is how to say thanks to so many, such as the employer back home who told him not to worry about disappearing sick time, or erstwhile strangers who, having heard of this family’s plight, organized fundraisers, including a “food train” that brings fabulous meals to the Buchheits every night.

“One lady just sent us snow boots for the other boys, realizing a Southern wardrobe doesn’t contain everything you need up here.”

It’s all taught him a lesson he says he will not forget.

“If we really think about it, every day ought to be Thanksgiving,” he said. “I’m going to try to remember that.”