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Randy Weiss: Thankful for the Best Moments in Time
[Noozhawk’s note: In a story scooped by Noozhawk, Randy Weiss on June 12 donated a kidney to Katherine Pinedo, a colleague at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. Both have recovered and are back at work, and each has become an outspoken supporter of organ transplants.]
Ever have one of those ditties rattling around your head, over and over and driving you absolutely bananas?
Me, too! And now again — compliments of a cheap 99-cent iTunes download — diva Whitney Houston and her “One Moment in Time” classic tune is trapped inside my cranium. Only for the last three weeks. Seems longer. Hey, you hearing this, too?!?
Each day I live ... I want to be ... A day to give ... the best of me ... I’m only one ... but not alone ... My finest day is yet unknown ... I want one moment in time when I’m more than I thought I could be ...
Then last Friday at 3:21 a.m. it struck me. On the 457th play, small mental snapshots started syncing with the soundtrack in my head — a personal music video of donating a kidney to my new “kid sister” Katherine “Kat” Pinedo, a senior teller and young colleague at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.
Back in April, Kat responded honestly to my “How are you doing?” with “It would only be better if I had a kidney.” When I offered mine — it fulfilled a self-made promise 10 years ago to seize such a life-saving opportunity, if ever presented. So, it’s like Whitney is singing directly to me ...
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away and the answers are all up to me ...
I soon raced to get into the best shape of my adult life. Took many months. Lost 40 pounds! I believe that in saving Kat’s life, she was saving mine, as well. Take it away, Whitney:
I live to be the very best ... I want it all ... no time for less ... I’ve laid the plans ... Now lay the chance ... Here in my hands ...
Then five months ago, on June 12, the moment of truth: successful surgery! Kat’s new kidney worked immediately and better than expected.
On the road to recovery, I teamed with Momentum4Life, a fitness club for my first-ever triathlon. Six weeks later I crossed the Santa Barbara Sprint Triathlon finish line. Another dream come true!
Whitney ... hello?
Give me one moment in time when I’m racing with destiny ... then in that moment in time I will feel eternity.
And then the best part. Shortly before Kat’s September return to work, she defined success as we were taping a local cable show. “It’s being about able to live your dreams ... I’ve met my first goal of getting a transplant ... It opens up the world to me ... I want to start a family ... With Randy’s kidney, he’s given me the opportunity to do that,” she said.
WOW! I couldn’t believe it! It was in this moment when I knew two new lives — and maybe more — were now all before us to live to the fullest every day. I took Whitney’s lyrics to heart:
You’re a winner for a lifetime ... if you seize that one moment in time ... Make it shine ... Give me one moment in time when I’m more than I thought I could be ... Then in that one moment in time ... I will be free.
So on Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for many things — for Kat’s health, for all who supported us on this truly remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime journey — and for this very special moment when life shines ever-so-brightly. Actually twice as bright as before! Yes, it’s certainly more than I ever hoped it could be.
Right, Whitney? Whitney? Hey, where did she go?!
— Randy Weiss is community relations manager at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.
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» on 11.25.09 @ 09:32 PM
With all of life’s challenges and these difficult economic times, it is people like Randy who can bring a smile to each of us one day at at time! Congratulations to the two of you! Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for and yes, take one moment of each day to feel alive and be free! Randy - you and Kat are an inspiration to many of us! Happy Thanksgiving!
» on 11.25.09 @ 10:07 PM
This is great! A true THANKSGIVING story! Congrats!
» on 11.26.09 @ 09:06 AM
What a mutual gift and moving story of chance human encounter! Randy & Kat have made the world a better place for each other. By sharing their remarkable journey, they have made the world a better place for all of us. I am grateful for such giving and receiving.
» on 11.26.09 @ 10:06 AM
We live with great moments passing by and around us all the time ; even when trying to capture them we can miss .
Thank you for sharing this moment in time where two souls came together ; shared ; changed each other .
Two people living better lives by coming together and sharing what they have . Randy could give , Katherine could receive , Randy could receive what he never could have received without giving . Katherine gave more than she had to give . Katherine got a kidney and a life back and her freedom .
The sum of two parts can be greater by
Giving and receiving .
I am filled with thanks .
Peace filled Thanksgiving moments to you all
» on 11.26.09 @ 11:47 AM
A wonderful Thanksgiving story about a wonderful, giving man. I’m honored to know you. Best wishes to all.
» on 11.26.09 @ 04:37 PM
Randy is a a loving, giving, man…I’ve never been prouder of anyone.. Thank you, Randy!
» on 11.26.09 @ 08:32 PM
Thanks to both of you Randy and Kat for giving us a lesson of life and love. Thank you for sharing your love story and the song, thank you Randy, you are an example of courage, optimism and selfishness♥♥♥
» on 11.27.09 @ 10:13 AM
Randy,
I knew you were differently special and especially different the moment I met you outside the Blood Bank years ago.
Thanks for sharing yours and Kat’s story which motivates me to keep on giving and receiving.
In Thanksgiving for good people on earth like you.
Peace.
» on 11.27.09 @ 10:45 AM
Mr. Randy Weiss, a man who truly walks the walk… I have the pleasure of knowing this Local Hero and can honestly tell you, that he is a living angel walking this earth. Although he may be down one kidney, his oversized, constantly giving heart, makes up for it. Santa Barbara is beyond blessed to have Randy as one of our community members. I give THANKS to you Mr. Randy Weiss
» on 11.27.09 @ 11:23 AM
I love this story ... what an inspiration!
» on 11.27.09 @ 01:11 PM
Randy,
No greater example of true compassion for one’s fellow human . . . may all of us be more fully inspired by your true caring and actions to match!
» on 11.30.09 @ 10:05 AM
Awesome story
» on 11.30.09 @ 10:09 AM
Always have enjoyed your writing…thanks for sharing your talent as well! Even for those who had heard the facts, this article adds another dimension, and a memorable one.
» on 11.30.09 @ 11:42 AM
What a wonderful uplifting story!
» on 11.30.09 @ 04:15 PM
I know Randy Weiss personally, and you know what? Randy truly is a stellar human being and a credit to the entire human race. What he did here is really no surprise to me; it’s just one more great thing he did for someone else. Some of us could learn real lessons from people like Randy Weiss. Bravo Randy!
» on 12.10.09 @ 03:34 PM
I bumped into Randy Weiss at Trader Joes this week. Knew of him only through his story and photo in the “Local Heroes” section of The Independent. Being in his presence spun me right around: what a lovely, lovely human being he is!
Randy Weiss has renewed my faith in the selfless generosity and creative action that define our species more than our less admirable capacity for harming others, ourselves, or the planet. True to title, right after I told Randy he was an exceptional human being, he responded with humility. He said it was an honor to help someone else. He was delighted that Kat might now be able to have a child. What a life-spirit and capacity for compassion this man has: wow!
He’s my personal hero of 2009.
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