I know I’m luckier than most. And I know I’m luckier than most in so many ways… I’ve lead an amazing life. And, in this little game of life, I may have been given a tough hand to play – but I was also given so much support – so many people to help me play that hand, and even slip me an ace now and then when it looked like I was about to fold…
And then I got an incredible gift.
And again, after that gift I’ve been luckier than most. Though many of us desperately want to know about the person, and family who saved our lives, a relatively small number of recipients of these gifts ever establish contact with the families who gave them their gift. A recipient may send a thank-you letter. Sometimes, a donor family responds – more often not. There is no obligation on either side – and some may find thanking someone for a thank-you letter to be unnecessary. Yet, some donor families do reach out and I’m thankful, and lucky that Kari’s family did. I’m also glad that it looks like someday, our Melissa may meet Chloe’s family.
Beyond Kari’s family – I’ve also been lucky enough to meet many of her friends – and even luckier in that they have become my friends too. I met Alex the weekend we met Kari’s family. I met Jenn, who contributes here, four years later – and we became very close. And, more than a half-dozen of Kari's friends and volleyball teammates have repeatedly joined me in February for our climb that we do in Kari’s honor… And there are many of her friends who I’ve exchanged emails with, or “met” on Facebook, or somewhere else online…
And I’ve met people in her community – some I’ve met, and some I haven’t met physically yet, but they help me too. Tom, over at Buscher Florist in Algona used to help me – now it’s Deb over at Algona Greenhouse. Deb went to school with Kari’s Mom. Every year, she places flowers on Kari’s grave in Algona for me – on her birthday, and again on the day she passed away and gave me life – the day she gave me that incredible gift I mentioned above.
Saturday was Kari’s birthday. On Saturday, my beautiful lungs turned 26. It’s a joyous day – and a solemn day – and a day that, to me, will forever be more special than the day the rest of me was born… I always ask for colorful flowers, and butterflies – and an angel if she can find one… Deb placed my flowers, with the note I emailed her, as she’s done the past few years...
Happy Birthday Kari!!!
I got to spend time with Katie, Wendy, Alex, Kelly and Samara a few weeks ago – that nosey Katie rummaged through our videos and found a tape your Mom sent me – your junior year video yearbook. They all sat around narrating it and talking about you and them and all of your friends. I sat behind them – they couldn’t see me tearing up now and then… A week or so earlier, I “met” Tessa online. They’ll never forget you, Kari – I want to say that I’d never let them, but they don’t need me to remember you. You are in their hearts forever.
Ten years ago, every night I prayed that I could have more time with Laura. You came into my life almost nine years ago. Three days ago, Laura and I celebrated our 20th anniversary – because of you.
I got to hold your picture for five miles on a float in the Rose Parade in January!!! I got to tell so many people about you, and about what you and your family mean to me… You are on my mind always – so are your family and friends.
Love, Lungs & Laura…
