“Memories are written in the sand that we walk on and cemented by the love in our hearts.”
~
Yesterday, I was honored to walk for my local “Organ Procurement Organization” (Lifebanc), that has helped save or enhance the lives of thousands and thousands of people since it’s inception decades ago.
The event is to generate funds to help educate the public, but it also a day to celebrate the donor families for the amazing gifts their loved ones gave with their last breath. It was a day for organ recipients to celebrate extra days of life and give public thanks for the amazing gifts they received from their donors and it also a day to give hope to those that are actively waiting for that life saving organ.
It is simply not a “stroll” through a serenely beautiful park. It is a truly an emotional journey that is both fun, and at times gut wrenchingly painful.
Yes, there is laughter and hugs ……. but there are many tears shed during the course of the event. Tears of joy, tears of stories of lost loved ones, tears of remembering ……. tears of what could have been …… tears of “what if”.
Even though my family couldn’t join me, my extended family was there to hold me up, to help steady me, to give me strength. We don’t only walk for our donors, but we also walk to give each other hope, and strengthen our souls.
The last few minutes of the event is awe inspiring when we honor all in the “Legacy Garden”. A couple of heartfelt speeches, a song, “Give a Little Bit” (by Supertramp), and a dove release. In the midst of today’s crazy world in which we live, God was looking down and truly smiling.
It was a truly incredible day …. the memories of which are cemented in my mind.
Thank you Lord for ALL gifts you have bestowed upon me. Thank you Benny Keith, and your family, for your gift of life that beats steadily within my chest.
