Melissa has Chloe’s heart – both figuratively, and literally.
I “meet” the most special people on these internets… I got an email out of the blue from a young lady named Melissa – she was congratulating me for being selected to ride in the Rose Parade. She learned about me through Gift of Hope and read through my website and our blog. In her email, Melissa told me about her donor, Chloe, and about her beautiful, new heart.
After we exchanged emails, Melissa got another little surprise – Gift of Hope contacted her and told her that Chloe’s family is interested in contacting her directly. I know what that’s like. I know how that feels. For some of us it’s a little daunting, yet it is what some of us want most in the world after receiving a gift like this.
Melissa doesn’t have a picture of Chloe yet – but she knows in her heart, in her mind, and in her eyes that Chloe is the most beautiful girl in her world…
I suggested that Melissa write to me about Chloe, and about herself, so that I could post it on one of my Thursday posts. A few days later she had me crying at my PC. This is what Melissa wrote to Chloe:
Open HeartedThe beams of the hot Midwestern sun warm me from the inside in June, the month of my birth, my new life and the time in which my deepest questions were answered. It was June 10, 2008 when I first heard from your family, nearly one year from the date of your passing. Your mom said she felt it was time to write me, although she had tried before and couldn't get the words out, her emotions blocking the way. For some reason that I can't recall now, I went home on my lunch break from work and naturally, I checked the mail. I never expected to hear from your family, following my initial letter to them. After all, they have faced the most difficult thing in life in losing you. While your gift is my greatest joy, it's at the expense of their deepest sorrow. Chloe, please know how proud they are of you. It seems that you had many friends and were surrounded by real love, a deep love that filled your heart. And today, you still have all of those things through me.
With shaky hands and a sense of peace, I pulled the letter from the linen envelope and out fell an Origami bird. Memories of my childhood bird watching days with my grammie and grandpa flashed through my mind. Though I was sure that this was by far, the most beautiful bird I had seen. It was made from delicate paper and the words inside were even more telling. Open-hearted. That's how one of your friends, who made this bird for your mom described you. I imagined one hundred little birds from your many friends inside a box for her safekeeping. One day she'll read them and smile at the thought of you. Like I do every day.
When I'm dancing at a party, playing golf, making brownies, hugging my husband or just checking the mail, you are there. Your heart is my new healthy gem that brought me from my deepest, sickest day to this moment. I'm more alive than I have ever been and forever I will be grateful for your gift, which represents the highest level of compassion for others. Chloe, I cherish and honor you for giving me back the years that I lost since heart disease plagued me when I was 14 years old. That's how old you were, just 14 - forever young. No wonder you were a perfect match for me. Until we meet again because there is so much I want to tell you...
With admiration and love - your heart recipient,
Melissa
This is Melissa and her husband Dave. I think that Chloe is so very proud of what she’s done for Melissa. I think that Chloe is proud of Melissa.
