Dear Donor Family,

I wrote this 4 years ago, on the first anniversary of Emma’s Transplant. Nothing has been edited except for the dates. I put it up every year, in hopes that one day they will read it. Ill never know, but just knowing it is here gives me some peace.

As I sit here, many years after the date my daughter received your loved ones heart, I often wonder how your family is doing.

I sometimes get lost in the thought of meeting you, assuming that you would be just as eager to meet us. But lately I have thought about how hard it must be for you, knowing that your precious child is gone. On the day we celebrate our daughters new begining, you are greiving the last day of your childs life. I am trying to understand how terribly hard it must be for you to receive letters from us, full of joy and thanks, knowing that it was the death of your child triggering that joy. I cant imagine how that must feel.

The little girl, who’s life was saved, is such an amazing little being. She is so full of joy and imagination. I wonder if you would see your precious child in her. She loves french fries and lollipops, cant get enough of barney, and sucks her thumb while sticking her finger up her nose.

Most of all, she loves life. She lives every day to the fullest and brings our family such joy. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sorry that your little ones death was the begining of my Emmas life. I hope that, if someday you somehow read this, you know how very much your gift is appreciated.

I often think of you in the quiet times, holding her, rocking her. How your arms must ache for your precious child.

How do you thank the family, who’s childs death, brought your child life? How do you express your gratitude, without it seeming as if you are glad the opportunity of death came so your child could live on?

I may never know the answer to that question, and I may never have the opportunity to properly express my feelings to you. But my heart hurts for you, respects you, and is greatful to you. Your childs death was not meaningless, and it will never be taken for granted, because in your darkest hour, you thought of someone elses child….. Mine.

Blessings,
Emma’s Mom

Please Join me at Faith Lifts today, where I talk about Emma’s Donor, who we as a family have affectionately named Joy.