Decide to be Happy.
- sheriosullivan
- Apr 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 17, 2023
I stopped driving several years ago because I was on very powerful opioids and the thought of hurting someone was more than I could bear. Now that I’m off all of the pain medication I can’t afford a car or insurance or gas, so I use Lyft whenever I need to go to medical appointments and church.
I like to talk to the drivers. Many times, we’ll talk about health issues, and I always mention I have Stage IV kidney disease. I do it because I want to spread the word about organ transplants and encourage people to sign up for organ donation on their driver's license. There are so many people dying while they wait for a kidney transplant. Did you know that at least 80% of kidney transplants come from people who’ve died in car accidents, work accidents, etc.? I truly believe dialysis is a miracle for people waiting for a new kidney.
People say, “You don’t look sick.” I don’t feel sick. My kidneys are operating at 18%. It’s typical for people to start dialysis when their kidneys are at 10%. I’ll be 71 in a few weeks, and I would not accept a transplant because I think it should go to people much younger than me. I’ve had a life; they deserve a life, too. I’ve made the decision not to go on dialysis because I don’t want to be hooked up to machines for the rest of my life. There is no cure for kidney disease. I believe I’ll die when I’m supposed to die. I’ve made my peace with death.
In the meantime, I have a very positive attitude to life. I’m grateful for every day. I’ve forgiven everyone who has hurt me, and I pray that anyone I’ve hurt can find it in their hearts to forgive me. I don’t let the distractions of the world weigh on me. I don’t worry about things that are beyond my control. I believe worrying is a complete waste of your energy; worrying never solves any problem, it just takes up space in your brain. I like meeting new people and hearing their stories. I enjoy spending time with my friends. And when I mourn the ones who’ve died too young, I remember all the joy they brought to my life, and I'm grateful they shared their lives with me.
I still have goals and items on a bucket list I want to accomplish. I’m currently writing the second book in the Max Daniels series in which a young girl, who believes her mother drove her father to suicide, tries to kill her mother at the funeral. The mother survives and the young girl goes to jail to await her trial. Max is persuaded to investigate and uncovers several shocking secrets in the family that have been kept from the young girl. It’s a story loosely based on my father’s first murder trial as a defense attorney.
I’m also working on my third novel, The Toymaker’s Son, which is now in its second draft. I love this story about a son who inherits his father’s toy factory. The dad, Hank Stewart, saves an employee during an accident but loses his life. The toy factory supports his hometown and the artists who work there. Michael Stewart, the son, wants to sell the toy factory to become a multi-millionaire so he can invest in his former boss’ real estate deal, but his wife and two children love the town and the people and don’t want him to do it. Of course, the story takes place at Christmas time and Michael must make his decision before 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve. It has a cast of wonderful characters who are determined to change Michael’s mind, and I’ve added a few easter eggs, too.
I originally wrote this story as a screenplay for Matthew Perry to play the son, but now he’s old enough to play Hank. Like most writers, I would love to see The Paradize Inn and The Toymaker’s Son made into movies so the stories and characters could reach a greater audience. Hopefully, Reese Witherspoon will come across my books and make that happen.
I have about 8% left of my kidneys, but 8% is still something. An amazing singer, the late, great Nightbirde told America’s Got Talent judges during her audition, after she informed them she had cancer, “It’s important everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.” I've realized I am more than the bad things that happened to me, too. I prove it every day I’m alive and happy. When Simon Cowell was at a loss of words after Nightbirde’s performance, she said, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” Here's the link to her YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CZJvBfoHDk0
Simon gave her the golden buzzer, which meant Nightbirde would go straight to the live shows in Hollywood. Nightbirde had one moment to share her light in the spotlight, and because she was brave enough to audition, she inspired millions of people all across the world. Unfortunately, before she could compete, her cancer came back, and she died at 31 yrs. old.
Her words have had a lasting impression on me. I’ve shared them many, many times with Lyft drivers, Uber drivers, my doctors, basically anyone who will listen. Be grateful you’re alive another day to spend with your family and friends. Hug your children closely and tell them every day how much you love them. Find joy in your life every day. And please, please make the decision to be happy. It will change your perspective on the world around you and you’ll start to see and appreciate all the wonder in your life. I’m so grateful I’ve lived long enough to be this happy.
Peace, Sheri