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Alumnus Gets New Chance at Life |
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from the August 2006 Newsletter |
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Editor’s Note: In 1988, a boy came to the Ranch after living in over 20 placements. His mother was a career criminal and he’d spent his life moving from town to town, living "on the lam". He and his four siblings were abused, beaten and molested by various boyfriends the mother had throughout the years. On top of all that, at 16, Chris was diagnosed as having a rare condition that caused his body to go into renal failure. In 1999, Chris received a kidney transplant that his body rejected. He was put back at the bottom of the list for a new transplant and resigned himself to the fact that he would not live much longer. Constant dialysis had worn out almost all of his available arteries. In 2002, a physically weak, but spiritually strong, Chris visited the Ranch for its 25th reunion, thinking it would probably be the last time we’d all see each other. Following the tear-filled reunion, he visited with the graduates and gave them all encouragement. He even gave Gary Priour a $100 donation to support the work of the Ranch. He asked for our prayers and bravely said good-bye. We certainly prayed, but frankly didn’t think Chris would get another chance. To our delight and amazement, Chris recently received a kidney transplant and is recuperating fine. He promises to visit as soon as he is able. Chris is a remarkable young man. The depth of gratitude and compassion he holds for others is nothing short of a miracle in itself. Here’s a letter he wrote on July 1st: Dear Youth Ranch Family, Hi, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and in good health. It’s me, Christopher Meyer ‘89, writing to tell everyone the good news from here in San Antonio, Texas. . . God does answer prayers. After 15 years of dialysis, 8 1/2 half years on the transplant list, over 350 surgeries, getting up at horrible hours, daily treatment, it finally happened. I received a kidney. I am so very happy to say I am doing great, and am on my way to getting 100% well! Still got some recovery time to do but that is nothing compared to everything I have been through. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for me, and I ask that you still keep me in your prayers because I still need them. To all of my Ranch family – I would not be here if it were not for you and my time at the Ranch. I was shown love and kindness and strength and lots of other things that have helped me in my life. To me, our lives are like a great big puzzle of which we all are a part. Each person you let into your life fits a certain way in God’s eyes, has a purpose and a reason and just when you think the puzzle is complete, you find that the last piece joins someone else’s and then someone else’s and before you know it, we have all become one big family. So to all my brother and sisters who live, or have lived, at the Ranch, please don’t despair when life gets tough. Don’t be afraid to receive help, and give it as well. If life just becomes too unbearable and you need someone to talk to, give me a call. Just ask Angela for the number. I’ll be here at any time, just as the Ranch has been for me in my life. As I close this letter I wish to say I am so proud of the kids at the Ranch. Every time I read the newsletter, I smile because I see you all accomplishing so much and doing so well in school and other activities, in spite of the things that have happened in your lives. Even though most of you all don’t know me, each of you has given me strength and inspiration. God Bless You and Thank You. Sincerely, Chris Meyer ‘89 |
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