The gift of life…
This month we expected to celebrate our son’s college graduation. How does one combat the pain of that which will never be? Look up and find the gifts you have been given. In February I made a call to Midwest Transplant. The last time I spoke with them was hours after our son died. It was a grueling call to approve his wishes. He had volunteered to be an organ donor, which came as no surprise to us.
We had received a letter from a recipient. I was inquiring as to how to connect with him. The letter was from a father that desperately needed connective tissue for his neck. He could no longer move. He thanked us for the quality of life he now held. Due to our son’s gift he was able to move and play with his young son.
The wonderfully kind woman I spoke with at Midwest Transplant promised to call me back once she had looked into our son’s file. She did. The news we received about his donation was shocking! We had no idea how far and wide one life could go! We listened intently as they shared that he had helped SIXTY-THREE people across the nation! Sixty-three!! I was speechless.
His beautiful eyes gave sight to two adults. Potentially there could be another 44 recipients. How in the world? They told us that certain donations can be held for up to five years! WOW! The list continued on and on with the region and age of the lives he touched. There are more than 120,000 people waiting for life saving transplants. Everyone can be a registered donor, regardless of age, race or medical history. A commitment to donation never interferes with medical care, saving your life is always top priority. Our son’s donation was his final act of love and generosity.
We are amazed to find that he continues to help others even from his heavenly home! God is good to remind us that HE is in control and through Him all goodness, kindness and mercy will be found.
Peace & Blessings,
MamaC
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
There are so many debunked myths about signing up to be a donor. The public needs to be educated about the processes involved. Stories like this hits close to home on so many aspects for both of us. It’s a daily hurt that you and your family go through but you can see healing by your writings from inside. Never a total heal.
Love You, Lollie
Dennis
You are an amazing inspiration to all parents. Keep writing. God has given you such a wonderful gift for it. I’m not surprised to learn that your son was such a kind person to others. He apparently got it from his parents. God bless your family as you continue to mourn your loss.
Thank you Sharon!