Tragedy and Joy

There are many stories that cross my desk as I work with the families of our donors. Stories that start with a tragedy and while that tragedy does not go away, donation can bring some positive out of the ruins. This is one of those stories, it the meeting of one donor family and the recipient of their son/brother’s heart. Brian died as the result of a work related incident on November 1, 2007.  They first heard from Dick, (the heart recipient) 2 months after Brian died and he received his transplant. After many letters both parties decided to share their contact information with each other. This is where Doug and Carol pick up the story:

We shared each others’ personal information on a recent Tuesday morning.  By that afternoon we received a phone call from Dick that lasted almost an hour.  E-mails were exchanged that evening with Dick asking if he could meet us that upcoming weekend as he was flying to our area on business and could stop on the way.  Schedules were set up, plane tickets were bought, and in less than 4 days from the first time we spoke on the phone, we were face to face with two of the most wonderful people we’ve ever met – Dick and his wife, Holly.  It was a priceless 24 hours that we spent together with them, filled with some tears, but mostly good, warm conversation and laughter.  It was an uplifting experience for us as we were able to see just exactly how wonderful Brian’s gift was for them and their family.  They also gave us a gift in giving us the opportunity to talk incessantly about Brian as they wanted to know him. 

As many grieving experts point out, one of the most endearing things for parents who have lost a child, or for someone who has lost a sibling, is to know that their loved one will not be forgotten.  Without any doubt, our Brian will forever be remembered by one of the most wonderful, loving families we have ever known.  We cannot begin to express how much joy and peace that gives us after having experienced the terrible event that claimed our son.  As our daughter, Katie, so aptly put it to Dick and Holly’s youngest daughter, meeting Dick and Holly did not help her in closing the door on her brother’s death, but it has opened a door on celebrating Brian’s life.

 

 

(L to R) Katie, Doug and Carol meeting their son/brother's heart recipient Dick and his wife, Holly

This is a powerful experience that has transformed both families, as I talked with Doug later there was much joy in his voice. The pain of Brian’s death will be a part of their lives forever, but being able to meet one of the recipients of Brian and their generosity gives them hope and comfort. It has also solidified their belief that in their darkest hour giving the gift of life was the right thing to do. 

Peace, 

John LeMay