The Gift of Life – A Thank You Letter to an Organ Donor

I may never have a chance to give this letter to the family that deserves it most, but nonetheless, I want to write it.

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To the family that gave my brother the gift of life,

When my brother told me a couple of nights ago that a kidney might be available for him, I was beyond ecstatic.

Then quickly, I realized that a family was losing a loved one and that was why he would be receiving a kidney.

My heart became heavy and I grieved your loss. I cried heavily. I cried as if I knew him. I cried thinking that he was someone’s son…father…husband.

I cried because he was selfless in wanting to be an organ donor. That while living, he knew he could make a difference even when he was gone. That a part of him would live on in someone else and renew their chance at life.

He has given my family such a HUGE gift and for that we are grateful. At the same time, we all feel your loss and want you to know that we mourn with you. We pray for you. We embrace you with love.

My brother had his kidney transplant yesterday and it was a success! He still has a road to recovery, but the kidney was accepted by his body and is already functioning.

We may never have a chance to thank your family personally or even show our appreciation for this donation, but please know that you will always be in our thoughts. Because of your family member, my brother now has a chance to live a longer life, to watch his niece and nephews grow up, and even greater, the opportunity to wake up every morning no longer worried when his last day will be. We ALL have that gift now thanks to your loved one.

With all my heart and gratefulness,

Michelle