At 20, my wife Cindy thought she was about to die.  Following a lupus diagnosis at 15, her kidneys had shut down in a way that seemed fatal.  But after devastating years on dialysis, many near-death experiences, and three kidney transplants, Cindy is going strong 46 years later.  Her optimism and determination to survive, and the joy she got from painting and creating art, kept her going through each crushing health challenge.Reminded by cards and letters we saved, Cindy and I share in this episode -- for the first time -- the entire rollercoaster tale of our intertwined lives (including my own highly flawed behavior) after we met as college freshmen.This is part 1 of 2.  Coming up in the second part:  Just when it seemed that Cindy's health would improve, the most dramatic life-threatening challenges began.  And then...  we discovered a error that lasted 33 years.  This was the start of a sort of miracle.  Hear Part 2 wherever you get your podcasts,  or listen here.Have thoughts about this episode? Send us a textMore info, photos, and transcript: throwitoutpodcast.com Don't miss a thing: Join our mailing list Do you save stuff you can't throw out? Tell us about it Want to show support? Please rate/follow us wherever you get your podcasts.