Dear Kari,
If I could see you today or find you in my dreams, I’d give you a hug as big as the hugs Steve gives everyday. I’d run with you like you and Jenn use to do through dandelion filled lawns. We’d paint our nails tie dye and try on pretty dresses and you would sparkle in each of them. You would be 17 forever.
9 years ago today you saved Steve and now everything in his life is amplified. If I could see you today, I’d tell you this…
He wears your lungs like a badge
He’s warm
His life is something he never imagined possible
He married his princess
He smiles bigger than most people
He never takes sick days
His favorite restaurant is Blackie’s
He thinks hot tubs are people soup
He ‘don’t know nothing about football’
His face is on a billboard promoting organ donation
His blog has led him to meet so many “Internet” friends
He’s cool and acts 10 years younger than he really is
He hugs and hugs and hugs until everyone can hear your lungs, breathing life into him
He waited for 3 years and had 4 false alarms until you came along
His co-workers adore him and he has many friends
He climbs over 1600 stairs every February in honor of you
He could probably pass the medical school entrance exam
He’s had many lows in life but the highs make up for it all
He knows all of his struggles were worth it
He aspires to be old enough one day to need a senior center
He says things like “You Rock” and “I miss your face”
He takes a lot of medicine but knows why it’s so important
He feels so lucky to have met your family
He laughs with your friends like you use to do
He’s met families like Samantha’s and Chase’s and has given them hope
He has a special place in his heart for Iowa
His skies are always blue
He keeps a part of you with him
He can breathe
He is an inspiration
He feels your smile, always
He won’t let you be forgotten
But you already knew all of this, Kari. Which leaves me with just one more thing to say…Happy Lung Transplant Anniversary Steve, nine years strong. Keep on Keepin On!
