It is with tears in my eyes that I write this post. Funny enough I had just written of how tears cleanse and help you start over. But these are not those type of tears; these are happy tears. As you all know, my brother Omar is a twice heart transplanted patient, who's been through hell and back a few times. He makes note of all the monsters and battles he's put up with. He still battles to breathe the congested air, drink the poisonous water, and see our cloudy skies.
LIFE IS PRECIOUS.
I have to be thankful to the Villalba family that allowed their son, brother, cousin's organs to be used. Unfortunately, back in 1998, this heart was damaged. Whoever this happy heart belonged to was hit so hard by a car, that there were clots in his organs and we were not able to use his much needed heart.
Back in the same year, another healthy girl loses her life. This time, the UNKNOWN family to Matilda (that's the name Omar gave her donor) also allowed her organs to be used and allow others to live. Matilda's heart beat inside Omar's body for a long 13 years. Regardless of his massive rejection and heart attack; Matilda's heart beat strong.
One other family lost a young man. Mind you, my descriptions are brief because that's all we know. All we know is their time of death was some hours before Omar's big surgery. This one was also from Orlando, FL. Small world if you ask me. This heart was sick, but strong.
Three hearts, three losses, three gains, three families.
It breaks my heart to know that some families refuse to share their lost one's organs. Mind you, the patients are not asking for something that is being used by your loved one. Neither they're asking to hurt your loved one. They're simply asking for a chance. A chance to live longer. A chance for those organs that otherwise would go either to a burner, a grave, or the trash.... Instead, those organs could safe someone's life. I just came across a blog and after a family had agreed to donate the organs, the patient was told they changed their mind. Being the optimistic person she was, Nadia Sofia was grateful and understanding of the plan of God and was waiting for another heart. Sadly, Nadia didn't make it; she parted this world. Im not saying you have to donate your loved ones organs. This is a VERY personal decision and we all respect that. We also appreciate the ones that DO. All I'm asking is for you to at least consider it? Give people like Omar and Nadia. People like David and Belmari and all the other transplant patients a chance. David is no longer with us either, but his family enjoyed him a little longer thanks to a family saying yes.
Very touching... LIke you said: it is a very personal decision, but if someone passed away and donating his/her organs will help save someone's life, why not at least consider it?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, love that picture of you and Omar!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ichi.
ReplyDeleteA life for a life.... That is not an easy situation for anyone involved in it! I always pray for the donor soul and their family! Knowing that in someone's death lays my son's life is hard to swallow even when I want my son to live, after all this person may also have a family thar love him/her. My admiration,thanks, and respect to all the organ donors. I just hope one day I can have the privilege and honor to do the same for someone else. God blesses you!
ReplyDeleteLove you, mom