A Thank You Note To My Brother-in-Laws Heart Donor

Dear Man who signed up for organ donation when you were alive and well,
Thank you for that selfless act. I am sorry for your family who must still be grieving at your loss yesterday. I am praying for your family today. You have no idea that the heart you left in this world, when you went on to the next, just went into the body of my husband Russ’ brother David.
Your generosity is the best hope we have that David, a young 48 year old husband and father of three, has a chance to live a fuller life. Last February David, a cop, had a massive heart attack while doing hand-to-hand combat training. Because of a good detective friend who was there, David survived that heart attack. Unfortunately, it was very severe and he has been unable to work or do much of anything, while trying to gain back his heart function.
In December, after doing everything possible, David was put on the heart transplant list. Scary as that is, it was the best hope for David to live the full life he has. You should know that your heart will be going to a good home. Tascha, David’s fabulous wife, who has tenderly cared for him all these months so he could get well, will love your heart and keep it healthy for a long time.
David’s three children will have a chance to have the father that loves to play with them, back in full force. Marty, David’s father can sleep a little more soundly now that he knows your heart is beating in his son. Russ and his sister Nancy can worry less about their brother.
I know it had to be a shock to your heart to go from your body to David’s. We are all thankful for the many Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Transplant Coordinators, Drivers, Aids and anyone else who worked so hard to bring your heart from you to David and keep it working well.
It is a long road ahead for David to recover from the change from his old broken heart to your healthy heart. It won’t be easy, but I promise you that many people will be looking out for him and do everything possible to honor the sacrifice you made by giving your heart away.
Your life may have ended, and for that we are sad, but you have given life to a person who has been a community helper for over twenty years. Please know that although we do not know you, we love you and are eternally thankful. Bless you, you did great good by being an organ donor.