Rae - I just read "what love is and I am sitting here...

[KaitlinsMom]

CRYING!!!

I clicked on the link under your daughter's picture - What a beautiful tribute to her -

I told myself I would never be a donor (you know, I am one of those who believe the doctor working on me has a dying wife that he could save if he took me early) but after reading your words, how could I not be -

What a tragic loss - but a wonderful beginning for eight people -

Karen

 

[macege]

I also checked out the link under your beautiful daughter's picture. My heart broke for you and and your family. How brave of you to have such positive things come from such a tragic situation. I am proud to have "organ donor" on my driver's license. I was also proud when my newly licensed 16 year old daughter had it put on her license.
Thank you for sharing your daughter's beautiful pictures with us.
Chris

 

[tammy bell]

Rae, I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your daughter. I am glad that you were able to find comfort knowing that she lives on in 8 people. Thank You for your strong words about organ donation. Because of you, more people might consider it.

 

[floridaminnie]

I also wanted to let you know that the "new" picture of your daughter in your sig is beautiful. Thank-you for sharing!

 

[Carol36]

Rae,

The first thing that I noticed was the picture change. This made me click and read! What a touching poem! Thanks for sharing!

Carol36

 

[Carol36]

Rae,

The first thing that I noticed was the picture change. This made me click and read! What a touching poem! Thanks for sharing!

Carol36




HOW DID I POST THE SAME ONE TWICE???????????

 

[dianthus]

Rae~ I saw this post & wondered what it was. I had turned the signature function off shortly after I registered years ago to shorten download time, as there were so many pictures & graphics. I used to be on dial up & I never changed it back when I got DSL.

Well I just turned it back on... It was worth it just to see your Kayla's beautiful smile! Your tribute to Kayla is so poignant, heartfelt and touching. After all this time, now I understand your tag.. You are indeed a very talented writer my friend. Your powerful words read like lyrics... I'm wiping away the tears as I write this to you...

Thank you for keeping organ donation in the forefront for so many people on these boards to see, in such a loving and eloquent fashion...

~ Linda

 

[rae519]

Thank you all, first for your lovely words but most of all for considering organ donation.

We have always believed in it, so when Kayla passed - we knew that is what our answer would be. Make some sense out of her passing by giving a second chance to others. It made a blessing from the tragedy.

I have worked as a volunteer spokesperson for organ donation in our area since her passing. It has been an honor and privilege that few could ever imagine. I have been active in counseling other bereaved parents (most recently, Kayla's childhood best friend Katie Cole (15) passed on).

I often wondered why she was given to us and what we learned from her life - I, for one, have become a stronger person - I am living my life to the fullest and encouraging others to do so. I live my life as if at any second I could pass - and because I believe in Heaven, I try to stay "sinfree" so that I can be with her again.

My life has been full and wonderful and regardless of the challenges, I find that because of Kayla's life, I am ready to face anything and everything.

There is nothing but God that can help heal a loss, but organ donation does help make sense out of the loss. I strongly encourage everyone to at least think about it and after making an informed decision, let your family and MD know - have it on your license, carry a Organ Donor Card (available through your local Organ Donation Organization) and promote it. You never know when you or your loved one will need that "second chance".

God bless all and again, thank you!

Rae

 

[4nana]

Dear Rae ~

Your new picture of Kayla is very sweet and as I've told you before, the poems so very touching. While a tragic death, what a true blessing she lives on through so many people and you find comfort as a volunteer spokesperson and counselor.

I sincerely admire your faith, strength and courage. When we chat on the boards daily, we have no idea the challenges some of our contributors have been given to test their faith.
Thank you for sharing.

Keep the faith ^i^
~ Sandie

 

[rae519]

The greater than challenge, the better opportunity for us to become better people from it!

Yes, Sandie, we have no idea what some of our DISfriends have gone through in their lives, face now or will face in the future - but one thing that both my religion and the Beatles agree on - "Love is all you need!"

God bless!

Rae

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by rae519
I strongly encourage everyone to at least think about it and after making an informed decision, let your family and MD know - have it on your license, carry a Organ Donor Card (available through your local Organ Donation Organization) and promote it.
Rae

Just to add a little something here....Organ donation is great and I am a card carrying donor but please remember that you do not have to die or have a loved one die to save a life....there are thousands in need of Bone Marrow Transplants....one simple little blood draw will put you on the registry and you may match a young child or adult in need of Bone Marrow. I will be forever greatful for the person who donated bone marrow to my godson giving him 7 years he would not have had if he had not found a donor.
Sorry to hijack your thread Rae but figured I would toss this one in there while we were talking about donors, if it makes just one person act it is worth it!

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

What a beautiful picture of Kayla! The poem you wrote and the one she wrote are both beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!

Cheryl

 

[dznyacct]

I wholeheartily agree with you about being a bone marrow donor. About 12 years ago a co-worker's daughter was in need of a bone marrow transplant. I work in a large medical clinic and they picked up the cost of screening people who wanted to be place on the bone marrow transplant registry. Sadly, a match was not found for my co-worker's daughter and she passed away a few months later at the tender age of 12. I am surprised at the number of people who found out that I was on the donor transplant list and asked me....doesn't it hurt to donated bone marrow, why would you want to be in pain? My response is always that it would hurt a lot more for me to know that I could have saved someone's life for a little discomfort on my part. At the time of registering my son was 2. I also told people who asked me about my choice that if my son needed a transplant I would hope and pray that anyone who could be a possible match was registered. A few years ago I received a letter that I was a potential match for someone. I was so excited. I really prayed that I would be a match and could help someone. A few weeks later I received another letter that a better match had been found. It sounds selfish, but I think it would be one of the most gratifying things to be able to give someone the gift of life.

P.S.
I am also a full organ donor. I have been told that even though you indicate it on your drivers license it is important that your family knows your wishes as well. As much as my husband doesn't want to talk about it, he is very aware of my wishes.

 

[rae519]

aprilgail2 - Thank you for mentioning that! How appropriate to say here on this forum!

Yes, and also there are living donors who, if compatible, can donate - (kidney). Now these people ar the true "heroes" of donation!!

I want to thank KaitlinsMom for starting this thread and bringing organ donation (whether after passing or living) to the attention of the Disboards.

God bless all!
Rae

 

[macege]

Hi:
I would also like to second the bone marrow registry. My husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2001 at the age of 41. Our girls were 13, 12 and 9 at the time. Thankfully, he is in remission and hopefully will never need a transplant. But the experience alone made me thankful that I could become a part of the registry. I would be honored if I became a match for someone.
Thank you for allowing us to discuss these important matters.
Chris