Professor’s wife shows heart, gives kidney

 

Professor of Electrical Engineering Joe Watson may sit halfway down a church pew from Kara Johnson, but he certainly didn’t expect her response when his kidney began to fail.

Three years ago, after numerous visits to the doctor, Watson was directed to a kidney specialist.

“After several sessions with the doctor, I was informed that I was experiencing kidney failure,” Watson said. “And, while it could be slowed down some, I would soon be reaching ‘end-stage renal failure’ and would then have three choices:  transplantation, dialysis or death.”

Watson and his family began looking into kidney transplant options. Due to his age, Watson was informed that he would not be considered a candidate for the National Organ Transplant Waiting List.

“[However] I was told that I would be approved for a transplant if I could find a living donor and could arrange for a transplant within about six months,” Watson said.

None of Watson’s family members were candidates for the donor process, but they actively prayed for a solution.

“At the Memorial Road Church of Christ, where we are members, we write down prayer requests each Sunday on a little book that is passed along the pews,” Watson said.

It was this little book that led to an answer to Watson’s prayers. Johnson, a member at Memorial Road, was moved to respond to the request.

“When I first saw Joe’s request about his need for a living donor, I thought that someone else would become available,” Johnson said. “In November, when a second request went out, I thought, ‘Why not?’ I remember thinking how sad it would be if one Sunday Joe wasn’t there sitting beside Nancy, and how guilty I would feel if I didn’t at least try to help.”

Watson and his wife were approached one Sunday in fall of 2013 by a couple they barely knew.

“Although Craig Johnson and his wife Kara sat near us in church, we did not know them well,” Watson said. “I had a similar relationship with Craig in our work at Oklahoma Christian, where Craig teaches mathematics and I teach engineering.”

The Johnsons had a simple question: “How do we start the process?”

“Joe looked shocked, and Nancy started crying,” Johnson said. “And then I thought there was no way I would ever back out and disappoint them.”

After two months of testing, Johnson was qualified as a donor for Watson.

“I was totally at peace with the process,” Watson said. “I was confident that the Lord would, in fact, bless this event and work through these medical experts to do something that was within his will.”

Watson’s students expressed admiration for his faith and hope throughout the ordeal.

“I would say [faith] is one of his defining characteristics,” senior Brennan Carlaw said. “I cannot think of an instance where [work and faith] ever separated.”

Senior Aaron Graefe recalled Watson’s attitude the most.

“The impression I got was he always had a pretty good attitude,” Graefe said. “He wasn’t in a great situation, but he never seemed to get down about it.”

Johnson shared Watson’s peace.

“All along, I prayed that God’s will be done,” Johnson said. “I was always at peace, because I knew God had started this story.”

Watson’s gratitude towards Johnson bridges the gap between simple friendship to a member of family.

“I am an only child, who has never had the pleasure of having an earthly brother or sister,” Watson said. “But I have a wonderful sister in the Lord – Kara Johnson, who has given me a greatly improved quality of life.”

For Johnson, the most startling emotional response from this experience has been that sense of closeness with Watson and his family.

“Most surprising has been the connection we now have with the Watsons,” Johnson said. “I feel like we have gained a new family. Joe called me every day when I returned home to make sure I was doing OK, and I smiled when I saw his name pop up on my phone. His children have sent flowers and driven over to meet us when they have been in town.”

Johnson emphasized her conviction that this is “God’s story.”

“I was truly honored that God allowed me to be a solution,” Johnson said. “This has been his story from the very beginning, and I will continue to trust him to finish it in a way that will glorify him.”

Watson looked at this experience as an example of answered prayer.

“This event has forever changed me,” Watson said. “It has greatly increased my faith. While I have always believed in the power of prayer, this event has proven to me beyond any doubt that it cannot, and must not, be underestimated. God is able and he will provide our needs.”

To senior Brennan Carlaw, this is an example of how community ought to function.

“Oklahoma Christian’s community really comes together when people need each other,” Carlaw said.

Senior Hannah Ketring agreed.

“I think this is a beautiful example of how the body of Christ can actually work to meet each other’s needs,” Ketring said. “It’s inspiring to see people helping each other.”

Watson realizes the road ahead is one of recovery, but he and his family are full of hope for the viability of the new kidney.

“These events are related in the hope that they will be an encouragement to others,” Watson said. “I am now 77 years old and have had, for three days, a perfectly functioning kidney.”

His example of community encouraged Ketring.

“I love the idea of true community involving sacrificing for those around you,” Ketring said. “I don’t know these individuals, but it’s nice to hear about love and sacrifice with all the violence and suffering going on in the world.”

Carlaw looks forward to Watson’s return.

“I’m just really happy that it ended up working out, because I think he’s an incredible blessing to the students here and I really want to have him back,” Carlaw said.