A New Family Tradition – We will remember

Just before Christmas 2007, a family received a phone call that their child had been hit by car and he was not going to survive. This family, in the midst of their loss and grief choose to give life to multiple other families through organ donation. This is very personal to me, because it impacted my family that Christmas.

While we have many traditions and enjoy all the celebrations of the Christmas season our family added one more reason to celebrate during the Christmas season. Three years ago our daughters had just arrived home for the holidays, one driving from Georgia and the other driving from Kentucky. The day following their arrival, the phone rang with news for their Dad (Tim) that would affect our entire family’s life.

A family who was grieving the loss of their child made a decision to donate organs. Their decision impacted several families in other states whom they did not know and personally they impacted my family. We will never forget that incredible gift. In the three short years following my husband’s kidney transplant, he has enjoyed good health, danced with our oldest daughter at her wedding, helped her and her husband move into their first home and plans to dance with our youngest daughter at her wedding next April.

Currently we have a dear friend, Kim who is waiting for a kidney/pancreas transplant and Tim’s brother, Randy is waiting for a kidney transplant. When you hear of families who donate the organs of loved ones . . . please say a prayer for them asking God to help them catch a glimpse of the beauty of that decision.

Have you considered the decision of organ donation in the event of your death? If so, have you let your family know your wishes and remember to indicated your decision on your driver’s license.