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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Gift!

Time passes so quickly and life continues its head long journey through our hours, days and years.  It will be five years soon since Rachel's fatal accident.  Yet her presence and life continues to be at the very core of all we do.  

Today I received a call from the organ bank, in the years since Rachel's death, we had not heard anything about the recipients of her organs.  For those who may be reading my blog for the first time, Rachel was an organ donor, a choice she had made long before her death.  But after all this time of wondering if all was well, we finally were given a 'thumbs up' that her gift of life had made a difference.  

Three individuals received organs on that fateful day and today I learned that they are all doing well, that they have been able to return to their active lives and have met with no complications since the transplant.  Recently our family initiated contact with the recipients in the hopes of at least hearing how they were doing.  The letter we wrote was forwarded to each recipient, giving them a brief synopsis of what Rachel was all about, and how we truly hoped her gift had greatly improved their lives.  

The news was wonderful indeed, and I was truly grateful that Rachel's ultimate gift had made a difference in their lives.  I listened, took some notes, and as I was thanking our liaison at the NEOB, I could feel the emotion welling up.  I hoped she couldn't hear it in my voice, but another second longer and I would no longer be able to hold it back.  No sooner had I placed the receiver back in its cradle, when the tears broke free.  Tears of joy, tears of longing, tears as a result of knowing that my daughter still lives on.  That Rachel still manages to make other peoples lives better.  

She had a gift for making you feel special, as if you were all that mattered to her at that moment, and her ultimate gift, is no different.  She may not have always done things by 'the book' as they say, but her love of life and her acceptance of others, was a constant in her life.  If you were someone she cared about, it was all about you!  This is her moment, her chance to shine, and she is doing so with a brilliance that far outshines the sun.  She is doing what Rachel does best, giving completely of herself.

The tears do not seem to want to stop, they keep coming to the surface, occasionally making their way down my cheeks.  Yet, I am so happy, I just want to shout, I want to let the world know she lives on; not only in our hearts, but in the very lives of others.  It is a feeling that is so hard to explain, it is life and love, it ebbs and flows like the tide, happiness and sadness all wrapped up in my emotions.  I feel as giddy as a school girl, I really never expected to react this way to just knowing that everyone was okay.  That life can come from adversity, that there is hope even when all seems lost, and that a ray of sunshine could be so comforting, warming me to the core of my being. 

The funny part of all this, is I don't even know their names and we may never know if they so wish it to be; but the blessing I was granted today, is so much more than I ever expected or anticipated.  I can't believe that I can't stop crying, its as if I have been allowed to spend a little more time with Rachel.  It feels like life just gave me another chance.  Of course, we still hold on to the hope that we will someday have the opportunity to meet one or all of the recipients, and be given the chance to fully share Rachel with them.  But whatever the future holds in store, they are always in our prayers, and our petition is always for their continued good health and a renewed fullness of life.  

Thank you for today, thank you for letting me know Rachel is still very much alive! in so many ways.  What a truly wonderful feeling.  I had seen and heard the joy in other donor families, as they talked about having had the opportunity to meet the recipient, and how it had made such an impact in their own lives, and now I think I know why!  This is a WOW moment, it is LIFE, it is so unbelievable!  I am laughing, crying, smiling and every other emotion in between.  It is as if I have just witnessed a birth, and experienced all the pain and happiness that goes with it.

Blessings! and until we meet again.

6 comments:

  1. as someone who will be needing cornea transplants i can say it is a beautiful gift!

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  2. Ana Marie, I wish you much luck. I recently spoke to a mom whose son received the gift of sight, she was so excited for him. The most beautiful part for me is that not only does someone's life improve, but that my daughter also lives on. Like someone said to me yesterday after I shared my news, it is a resurrection of sorts. Life from death!
    Take care, I will keep you in my prayers.
    xoxo Rose Mary

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  3. Hi Rose Mary,

    It was lovely to read this post, wonderful to 'hear' that joy back in your writing again. (It's always there when you talk about what Rachel was like as a person and I always enjoy getting to know more about her) :-)

    I hope that some day you get your wish to meet those people who have gained so much from your loss.
    As you say, Rachel lives on - both in your memories and in everyday life for others now.
    She cannot be forgotten - nor will she be.

    Hugs Rose Mary and much luv to you always
    xxxx

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  4. Carole, Thank you!

    Take care, love Rose Mary

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  5. Your story touched my heart! 15 years ago June 9th, my 23-year-old niece Jennifer was killed in a car accident. We will never stop loving and missing her.

    Blessings,

    Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life

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  6. Cindy,

    I am so sorry for the loss of your niece. Rachel too was 23 and would have been 24 just six days after her accident. It is a tough journey, and all the experts say it is the toughest loss, the loss of a child. You are so right, we do not stop loving or missing our loved ones, regardless of how much time has passed. They are a very big part of who we are, and will always remain so. Love is never ending, and thankfully, it is love that keeps us going.

    Take care, xoxo Rose Mary

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