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The Ultimate Gift Of Life - July 01, 2006
"I am sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Blackstone. We tried our best, but the damage was too severe," whispered Dr. Korbet to the distraught parents who received a call in the middle of the night informing them their son had been in a car accident. He continued, "This is a terrible time, but if you wish to donate any of your son's organs, I will need to know as soon as possible."
Deciding upon organ donation was the last thing the Blackstones wanted to think about. Their only child, Matthew, was only seventeen years old, and a life that was so full of promise had now been tragically ended at the hands of a drunk driver.
As the parents gazed upon the body of their only son, Mrs. Blackstone noticed the chain and pendant their son had worn daily since the age of sixteen. The words on the medal read, "Choose Life!"
The Blackstones knew that Matthew was a staunch pro-life supporter; however, the phrase took on a whole new meaning on this particular day. The grieving parents turned to each other, gave each other a knowing look, and then kissed their son for one last time.
"Have you made a decision?" asked Dr. Korbet.
"Yes," replied Mr. Blackstone as he dabbed his eye with a tissue. "Matthew would want us to chose life. Our son has no use for his bodily organs now. If they can help someone who needs them, then use them."
Mrs. Blackstone added, "We have one request though. I want the recipients to have our name and address in case they wish to contact us."
Dr. Korbet nodded and replied, "I understand."
Months later, a large yellow envelope from the hospital arrived. Mr. Blackstone ushered his wife to the couch so they could open the curious envelope together. Carefully, Mrs. Blackstone released the envelope's contents with her heirloom letter opener. Out slid four letters.
The first was from Dr. Korbet. His letter read, " Dear Mr. And Mrs. Blackstone, your son, Matthew's precious gift has given life to eight people who would have otherwise died. Of those eight, these few wished to personally thank you. Best regards, Dr. Korbet."
The Blackwells took a deep breath and proceeded to open the next letter. It read, "How can one say thank you for what has been a tragedy to you? Through your son's death, however, my once failing heart now beats strong, and my life-long desire to become a teacher can now be a reality."
Mrs. Blackwell squeezed her husband's hand, and began to read the next letter out loud, "I have not been able to see my three-year-old daughter's face, or gaze upon a beautiful sunset because of my diseased eyes. Thank you and Matthew for the gift of sight! Life is so beautiful, and I will enjoy it to the fullest!"
A sense of serene comfort washed over the Blackwells as they opened the last letter. It read, "I am twenty-one years old, and for most of my life I have been sickly and in and out of hospitals. As I was raised an orphan, and thus had no one to truly care about me, yours and Matthew's gift of life has been the first time I have ever experienced real love. I can only imagine how hard it was for you to make this decision, but rest assured, I will put my new lungs to good use. Your gift of love has given me new hope! Love, Karen"
Tears of both loss and joy began to flow from the Blackstones' eyes.
The reality of organ transplant enables one who has died to give life. While this Daily Wisdom may appear to be about the importance of organ donation, its deeper purpose is to show you, the reader, through example, how Jesus Christ died so that we too may have life. While an organ transplant may improve the condition of the physical body, Christ's gift of eternal life enlivens the spirit.
Choose Christ, and choose life!
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", which are a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com
"I am sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Blackstone. We tried our best, but the damage was too severe," whispered Dr. Korbet to the distraught parents who received a call in the middle of the night informing them their son had been in a car accident. He continued, "This is a terrible time, but if you wish to donate any of your son's organs, I will need to know as soon as possible."
Deciding upon organ donation was the last thing the Blackstones wanted to think about. Their only child, Matthew, was only seventeen years old, and a life that was so full of promise had now been tragically ended at the hands of a drunk driver.
As the parents gazed upon the body of their only son, Mrs. Blackstone noticed the chain and pendant their son had worn daily since the age of sixteen. The words on the medal read, "Choose Life!"
The Blackstones knew that Matthew was a staunch pro-life supporter; however, the phrase took on a whole new meaning on this particular day. The grieving parents turned to each other, gave each other a knowing look, and then kissed their son for one last time.
"Have you made a decision?" asked Dr. Korbet.
"Yes," replied Mr. Blackstone as he dabbed his eye with a tissue. "Matthew would want us to chose life. Our son has no use for his bodily organs now. If they can help someone who needs them, then use them."
Mrs. Blackstone added, "We have one request though. I want the recipients to have our name and address in case they wish to contact us."
Dr. Korbet nodded and replied, "I understand."
Months later, a large yellow envelope from the hospital arrived. Mr. Blackstone ushered his wife to the couch so they could open the curious envelope together. Carefully, Mrs. Blackstone released the envelope's contents with her heirloom letter opener. Out slid four letters.
The first was from Dr. Korbet. His letter read, " Dear Mr. And Mrs. Blackstone, your son, Matthew's precious gift has given life to eight people who would have otherwise died. Of those eight, these few wished to personally thank you. Best regards, Dr. Korbet."
The Blackwells took a deep breath and proceeded to open the next letter. It read, "How can one say thank you for what has been a tragedy to you? Through your son's death, however, my once failing heart now beats strong, and my life-long desire to become a teacher can now be a reality."
Mrs. Blackwell squeezed her husband's hand, and began to read the next letter out loud, "I have not been able to see my three-year-old daughter's face, or gaze upon a beautiful sunset because of my diseased eyes. Thank you and Matthew for the gift of sight! Life is so beautiful, and I will enjoy it to the fullest!"
A sense of serene comfort washed over the Blackwells as they opened the last letter. It read, "I am twenty-one years old, and for most of my life I have been sickly and in and out of hospitals. As I was raised an orphan, and thus had no one to truly care about me, yours and Matthew's gift of life has been the first time I have ever experienced real love. I can only imagine how hard it was for you to make this decision, but rest assured, I will put my new lungs to good use. Your gift of love has given me new hope! Love, Karen"
Tears of both loss and joy began to flow from the Blackstones' eyes.
The reality of organ transplant enables one who has died to give life. While this Daily Wisdom may appear to be about the importance of organ donation, its deeper purpose is to show you, the reader, through example, how Jesus Christ died so that we too may have life. While an organ transplant may improve the condition of the physical body, Christ's gift of eternal life enlivens the spirit.
Choose Christ, and choose life!
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", which are a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com
