Last modified: 11 May 2000
Dear Friends,
For over a year I have often thought about what I would say to the people who in a time of grief and despair could think of others and donate a loved one's organs. I received one of the kidneys. Now that I find out I can write to you to express my gratitude, it is difficult to find the words to adequately express my feelings. "Thank you" just doesn't seem enough.
My doctor tells me I was within two weeks of total kidney failure when I received the kidney. It was a perfect match and has worked perfectly from the moment it was transplanted into me. I haven't had any trouble, rejection, or sickness since. My health and energy have returned, and I was able to return full time to my job as a kindergarten teacher four months after the operation.
Besides resuming all my previous activities, I got to enjoy our daughter's high school graduation and the birth of our first grandchild - a girl. It's great being a grandmother, and I have you to thank for the health to enjoy this as well as life itself again.
The only way I could think of to say thank you is for me to pass on your generous good deed to others. I have been working in a food pantry to help feed the hungry, with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for the homeless, and with several charitable organizations to help the poor and disadvantaged. I hope it may help you in your sorrow and loss to know I will always try to use the life you gave me to honor your loved one by working to help others.
I thank the Lord each day for you and your decision to donate. I will keep you always in my prayers. May the Lord bless you and your family for your selfless and generous heart.
Thank you for my health and life!