I’ve always had a fondness for writing. Not to brag, but I did win the young author award in elementary school… two years in a row. Now, three years into college, I write speeches that I perform every weekend, a million papers, and endless tweets. But a little over six months ago, I was faced with a writing opportunity that hit me like a brick wall. On August 17, 2015, my dad received a heart transplant after months of hospitalization, multiple surgeries, 8 months of life support, and a year of uncertainty. My family and I were met with such emotional distress that was nearly impossible to sort through. So when he finally received a new heart (a story I’ll share in future articles), the amount of joy was overwhelming. I remember standing in front of my friends stunned into silence by the news when my mom called to tell me. As I made the 5-hour train ride to visit him in the hospital after the transplant was successfully completed, I discovered that I would have the opportunity to write a letter to the heart donor’s family and that I had 6 months to write it.
Of course I’m going to write a letter! How can I let that much selflessness go without recognition? But as the months ticked past, I found it harder and harder to adequately express the words that I felt needed to be said. How was I supposed to write a letter about my dad’s second chance at life when his family is left without a husband, son, and friend? As someone who prides myself on being good with words, the words were certainly failing me here.
For those of you keeping up on the timeline, the 6 month mark was February 17, 2016 and unfortunately I haven’t been able to find the right words yet. I've done draft after draft of the letter and none of the words conveyed the gratitude in my heart. Then I decided that rather than writing to the donor's family, I would write to the donor himself. So if you’ll indulge me, I’m going to try to work my thoughts out here:
To my dad’s heart donor-
Hi. My name is Katie. I’m 21 and a junior in college. I’ve tried writing this letter dozens of times, and the words have never flowed the way I want them to. I just wanted to say thank you. Well, not just say thank you. Your selflessness gifted my dad a second chance at life – a second chance to be able to attend my wedding, meet his future grandchildren, and grow old with my mom. A year ago, we weren't sure he would be able to do any of these.
I’m deeply sorry that you weren’t able to experience these things for yourself. But in a way, your story lives on. Your heart continues to beat, and maybe because of that, a piece of your soul continues to live on, too. I can’t imagine the loss felt by your family, and I’m not sure if these words will help or hurt, but the least I can hope to do is provide some closure. My dad is doing so well, and your heart is still healthy. Please know that I wish peace for your family and friends, and not a day goes by that I don't think about your gift.
Thank you so much, kind stranger. Your selflessness gave my family a second chance to be together.
Katie
