Since my daughter Melanie passed away, the holiday season has never been the same. There is emptiness in our heart, and yet, we still feel gratitude. We feel gratitude because four people got a second chance to live thanks to Melanie's gift of life. We feel gratitude because of the amazing legacy that Melanie left behind.
Inside other homes, at a chair that could have been empty, sits the person who would have not been there if it was not for our Melanie. Melanie assisted in giving four people the miracle of a second chance at life. Not only did they get their life back, they were given another precious gift, the most precious gift of more time. More time to be with their families.
More time to hold their parents, their children and/or grandchildren. And more time to watch them grow. More time to spend special days (holidays, birthdays, etc.) with their families to laugh, to cheer, to tell jokes and to cry with during times of sorrow.
Melanie's heart recipient is thankful for more time with her family. If it wasn't for Melanie, she would not have been here to watch her children grow and mature and to see her first and, so far, only grandchild.
Each of us has an opportunity to give of ourselves in a way that can save and enhance the lives of over 50 people. All over the country, families like ours take this opportunity and in a time of deep loss, look beyond our own grief and give to complete strangers.
This holiday season, as your family reminisces and gives thanks, please consider also giving life. During 2012, the donation community has a national goal of registering 20 million Americans as organ and tissue donors.
To read my daughter Melanie's story, and for more information or to sign up on the Donate Life registry, please go towww.donatelifecalifornia.org/MelanieMiers today or check yes at the DMV. Your gift of life will be a lasting legacy of generosity and love.
- LINDA MIERS, Donate Life Ambassador, San Bernardino
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