My family did more than leave behind clothing, furniture, toys, and vehicles. They left behind something more precious. They left behind life. In April of this year I was honored to go and speak to a gathering of mostly medical professionals. These are people that live with life, and death, on a daily basis. People that do a sometimes thankless job. Especially when that job results in a less than desired result.
My speech that day was designed to let the doctors, nurses, lab techs, and anyone else involved in patient care know that they are appreciated in spite of the tragedies they have to face on a daily basis. I could never be a hospice nurse, an oncologist, or an ICU nurse. I would want 100% of my patients to survive. And I'm sure those professionals want the same thing. Unfortunately that will never occur. No matter how hard they struggle. And, so often that is a thankless struggle.
My wife and daughter were organ donors. I remember vividly when my wife and I were approached in the emergency room by the ER physician who let us know that, while our daughter had no chance at life, someone else could. I remember getting the letter weeks later letting us know that she had saved or improved the lives of at least 5 people. I checked on these people through the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency. Although I never knew their identities, I did find out a little bit about them. Some have survived. Some have not. But someone out there is alive because of my little girl. I think that makes her a hero.
This week I got my first letter from a recipient. I never heard from any of my daughter's recipients but I had finally heard from someone who was able to live an improved life thanks to my wife. This grandmother can now go watch her grandchildren play ball. She can go on vacations without worrying about going through dialysis instead of enjoying family time. And she thought to say thanks.
I have a bulletin board at my office with an interesting collection on it. I collect thank you notes. They are so rare these days that I thought it would be nice to look at and occasionally be reminded that someone appreciated something I had done for them. But never have I received as important a thank you letter than the one this woman wrote to the donor family.
No greater love exists than a man lay down his life for a friend? I'm not so sure. I think the greater love exists when a man, or, in my case, two women, lay down their lives for someone they never even met.
This thank you letter will one day be placed in the center of my bulletin board. It will be read daily as a reminder to me that my wife still lives on. That a very real part of her walks this earth today. That a part of her is responsible for hugs, kisses, tickles, giggles, and laughter that this earth would have otherwise been missing.
If you haven't considered it before I beg you to please consider donating the gift of life. Don't wait for your family members to have to make the decision for you. Go to http://donatelife.net/register-now/ and register to be a donor. The peace that your family will be left with knowing that you still live on will be worth it. I promise.
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