Taylor's Gift

Last month I wrote in a post about the guest blog I submitted to the Taylor's Gift Foundation's website.  Today I was so honored to have my blog published on their website.  Taylor's Gift is an incredible organization that tirelessly promotes organ donation.  Although the Storch family experienced deep tragedy when they lost Taylor, they chose to use this sorrow and heartbreak to help other families in their times of great need.  I have posted the link to my story below.  I hope you enjoy:

http://blog.taylorsgift.org/a-roller-coaster-of-hope

If I Could Tell Them...

Tonight I got to do one of my favorite jobs -- be a donor mentor.  I take such great joy away from talking to kidney donors as they navigate their journey.  The excitement, nerves, impatience, concern, compassion, and curiousness -- I remember those feelings so well!  Most of the potential donors I talk to definitely know how the transplant will change their recipient's life.  But so very few of them even realize how much it will change their own life.  I know for sure that I had no idea!  In a way I wish I could express to them what it will be like when they finally accomplish the donation.  But then I realize that if I could tell them, it would steal away the moment for them.  If I could tell them, it would take away the awe and the joy of the moment when they realize that a part of their body is now alive and functioning inside another human being.  If I could tell them, it would take away the moment of happiness that will fill their heart when they know for sure that one of their life's purposes has been fulfilled.  So for now, I just share my experiences and answer their questions.  And when I hang up the phone I sit back and smile.   Another day, another donor, and two more lives forever changed.