My son just called me

to ask me how I would feel about him donating a kidney. My first response was to say NO, and I'm ashamed to say I asked him if he was thinking of selling one his. He's a 21 year old musician who is always broke and has donated blood for the money. I was horrified at the thought of him taking it to the ridiculous and dangerous.

I could not have been more wrong. His friend's father needs a kidney. They are having problems finding someone willing and able to give up a healthy one. My son wanted to know how I would feel if he wanted to help.

I'm in shock right now. The thought of my son, my baby, the little boy I carried and gave life to, actually giving up a part of himself is so terrifying I can barely let myself think about it. At the same time I couldn't be more proud, or sure, of the compassionate, loving man my son has become.

I told him how frightened I would be if he made that decision. That if it were up to me I would probably not want him to. But that if he did make that choice, there could be no more generous a gift. I told him he needed to research and understand a lot more about it before making that decision and I suggested he talk to his father and then talk to me some more.

I'm truly shaken and fighting back tears right now.

Wow. What a great kid.