I didn't know that while I was busy planning and living my life another family was also busy planning ... But instead of planning and living life they were mourning, making decisions, and trying to figure how to say goodbye to a beautiful woman. Two families who've never met - dealing with life changing decisions. Losing one life; saving another.
Tomorrow is a big day. Me and my Kady girl have made to the big 3 years!!! I've been told three years is the critical anniversary ... The one where they say your "healthy" - I never had a doubt we'd make it here...I've just believed.
The thing is - I know tomorrow is the big day - but I don't remember it. What I do remember is the way my heart seemed to stop beating when Adam told me U of C was calling at 9:00 on a Sunday night. I remember laughing and crying, running around my room, trying to get things together -- wondering if that is what it's like when people race to the hospital to have a baby. I remember my hands shaking while I called my parents and my sister and told them the news. I remember wiping Connor's tears when he cried and laughing when Dima grew excited because I'd be able to swim. I remember writing down as many school plans as I could on my way to the hospital. But most of all - I remember wondering what happened ... What tragedy occurred that allowed me this chance. I remember the sense of guilt creeping in, knowing I was rejoicing while another family was mourning. I remember wondering who she was, what she did, who her family was, what her name was... I wondered if I was worthy of this gift of life that was only being given to me because someone else lost a life. Most of all, I remember making a silent promise, a vow - to a woman I'd never get to meet - promising to live life to the fullest ... To continue to live for her... To honor her. So, I choose September 4th to be my day of celebration, remembrance, and prayer. So many lives were forever changed that day. That family changed my life without even knowing who I was. I'm glad I've had the chance to speak with them - and not only tell then how they changed who I was, but also how they made me who I am.
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