I want to share with you my experience meeting my donor, Samantha's, family. But, first, I want to share the letter I received from Samantha's mom, Angela. With Angela's permission, below is the letter I received on June 30, 2017, one year after my double-lung transplant.
“Dear Recipient:
It is with both sadness and joy that I write you this letter. My daughter, my heart passed away 12 months ago, on June 19, 2016. She was pronounced and went home to be with God. 12 months ago you were given the chance to live again, and for that I am so very proud of my daughter Samantha.
Samantha grew up in Wilmington, NC. She was 20 years old when she died. She was a bright girl, and loved everyone. She met no stranger, even though I always taught her “stranger danger” LOL, she didn't listen. She didn't care if you were rich or poor, in her eyes everyone was the same. In those short 20 years of Samantha's life she grew up surrounded by friends, family and her beautiful and sweet dog Benelli Rose (now my Grand Dog). Samantha loved the beach and that is where she spent a lot of her free time.
Samantha was a daughter, Granddaughter, sister, friend, and soon to be Aunt to my beautiful Grandson Brayden. She couldn't wait for him to be born. Samantha was not a shy girl. She knew her faults and she accepted her imperfections. She laughed at herself and took advantage of opportunities to grow every day. She was not perfect and she was the first to admit it.
The day my daughter died a piece of me went with her. I have spent every second, minute and hour thinking of her. I think about how she will never have the chance to marry, or be a mother herself. I wonder how her life would have turned out, would she have been a doctor, veterinarian, teacher, or a stay at home mom. As parents we expect to die before our children, so when you have to bury one of them it's like your burying yourself. I have somewhat come to grips that it's time for me to move on, although it will be easier said than done, but I have two other girls, my Grandson and my husband to live for.
Since Samantha's passing you have crossed my mind a lot. Samantha was always such a giving person, and her desire to be an organ donor was but one example of her selflessness attitude towards life. I guess I have some peace knowing a piece of her still lives on in five people that I hope she was able to save. The thought of my daughter's heart continuing to pump, and her lungs continuing to breathe, is so heartwarming to me.
I guess I am going to end with the hope that you will allow me and my family to meet with you. I would like to tell you more about Samantha and how big her heart was. Maybe it's too much to ask, but I hope you will allow me this last chance to hear her breathe for someone else … for you.
Sincerely yours,
Angela”
Tomorrow I will share the letter I wrote to Angela in reply.
