A Letter to Archie

by Trish Dockery

Often we hear from recipients and people in general how sorrowful it is that we have to suffer the loss of a loved one so that others may live.

I want you to know that we the donor family of Archie are also sorry. We are sorry for what you have had to endure. The battery of testing, the intense pain, and the tormented thoughts that raged in the recesses of your mind.

While we were struggling to accept the death of a loved one we held so dearly, you were also struggling: struggling with the agonizing physical, emotional, and psychological aspect of gaining a chance in this life.

Archie is no longer here, but you are. That was God's plan, not mine or yours. We did not choose this anymore than you chose your medical problems. So do not burden your heart with guilt. God took one very special life home and gave back many more. This is not a time for tears of sorrow but at a time of triumphant joy. For through this miracle look how many lives have been touched and linked for all of eternity.

We want you to know that we owe a dept of gratitude to the recipients. Through the grace of God we now have an abundance of new family members to love, pray for, and to cherish. We do not hold you bound to us because of an organ given that resides within you. We merely love you and thank God that through this tragedy came victory and the opportunity to share our lifes with new-found living and wonderous miracles of God.

We love you and God bless each and every one of you.

--Trish

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