Last modified: 11 May 2000
My mother held me in her arms and dried my tears.
I was a baby and I thought I knew what love was.
My new puppy licked my face and wagged his tail.
I was a child and I thought I knew what love was.
Johnny slow-danced with me to "Get Together" by the Youngbloods.
I was a teenager and I thought I knew what love was.
My father posed proudly beside me as I held my diploma.
I was a graduate and I thought I knew what love was.
Tom pledged his love to me and I gave my love to him.
I was a bride and I thought I knew what love was.
Our infant son smiled at me when I sang to him.
I was a young mother and I thought I knew what love was.
Our adopted baby girl was placed in our arms.
I was older and I thought I knew what love was.
For seven years our children's laughter rang through our home.
I was middle-aged and I thought I knew what love was.
I looked into her face when God called her back home, and
I held her hand to say good-bye.
I lost my little girl and I thought I forgot what love was.
But eight lives were changed.
Eight people were given a second chance to live
Because we donated our daughter's organs.
Now I know what love is.
Dedicated to the memory of Kayla Renee Reichert (2/19/87 - 7/13/94), my daughter and my best friend.