In my last post, I believe I introduced you to Elise's "donor angel," Julia. Last month, we connected with her family through email and social networking and learned that she was 20 years old, a loving mom to a sweet little girl; she is very much loved and missed by her family. Julia was a nursing student here in Houston, focused on pediatric nursing; she would have undoubtedly helped to save many lives in her career. As I learned more and more about Julia, I created a photo book telling the story of one of the lives she did save--Elise's life--by becoming an organ donor. I ended the inscription inside the cover with the words, "It's never too late to be what you might have been." Julia's sister shared with me that she used this quote in her tribute to Julia at the memorial service. Honestly, I can not imagine any words more suitable for our donor angel.
So, this past Saturday, August 10, 2013, I was able to deliver this photo book in person, as we were blessed and privileged to meet Julia's family.
LifeGift, our local organ procurement organization, coordinated an amazing reunion on Saturday for us and Julia's family. Without rehashing all the detail, suffice it to say that there was a wide array of emotions in that room. We visited with Julia's mother, Darlene; her father, Greg; her sister, Holly; her daughter, Ava; her niece, Layla; and her uncle, Joby. Julia's mother presented Elise with several very special gifts on behalf of their family, and she also gave David and me a gift of sentimental items and pictures. Several members of the LifeGift staff were present to support us, and they led a moment of silence for Julia before we left. KRIV Fox 26 was there to capture the moment of our "reunion," and the segment they produced for the 9:00 pm news that night was a beautiful tribute to Julia as well as a testament to the importance of organ donation.
Click the link below to watch the Fox 26 news segment featuring our LifeGift reunion:
We certainly intend to stay in close contact with Julia's family. As I said to them on Saturday, we consider them part of our family now, and we want them to be part of Elise's life as she grows up. Julia's daughter and niece are not much older than Elise and her brother Ethan, and I hope that our families will create many more memories together in the future.
"It's never too late to be what you might have been." So true. These words can apply to anyone. Be a Hero; Be an Organ Donor. It's very simple to register. Please remember to discuss your intentions with your family though, as this will relieve them of some burden while helping to ensure that your wishes are carried out and lives are saved.
