That is a very touching story and so true - "What if that decision had not been made?" I have to tell you, this made me think back to when I donated to my Husband. While we were in the hospital, they offered informational classes for the recipients for things like how to take their medication correctly, eating healthy. etc. They would always start the class off with having everyone share their name and what organ they had recieved, etc. There were a few patients who had recieved cadaver kidney's or livers. As I sat there during the class, I remember looking at these recipients and thinking how they now had an organ from someone who just a few days prior was more than likely living their lives like the rest of us. Not knowing that one morning when they got up and got ready for work/school/etc, that that was their last day here on earth, and some tragic accident/illness would end their lives that day, and because of this, the people that were now sitting before me received a second chance at life. Hopefully a normal, full life that they would be able to enjoy with their families and other loved ones. Seeing and experiencing all of this changed my life forever. If ever there was a remider as to what was really important in life, this experience was it. Seeing what some people have to go through just to live and be healthy, and being reminded how quickly life can end, was a real reminder to take the best care of yourself as possible, and cherish each and every day you have with those you love, because none of us ever know what day may be our last.
Linda