Good morning UNVC family, I know that this is a board to talk about UNVC but this is a special day for me. I don't share often, but I have heard many stories from our members about their life and I would like to share a piece of mine to give y'all a bit of insight of what makes me tick today. Thank you for letting me share.
As I sit here thinking of all the things that I could be ungrateful for today, I have to stop and just be grateful that I am even here to have those thoughts. Every year, I pay tribute to the one person who made my life today possible. Sandy was a special woman.
On April 2, 2001, Sandy saved my life by making the decision to be an Organ Donor. I didn't know her and never dreamed or understood what that decision would mean to me and my family. I never knew what the lasting impact would be. The impact that I feel today is gratitude. I can be grateful for everything in my life today, the good and the bad. I have been given 19 bonus years in my life so far and I believe that everything that happens in my circle today happens for a specific reason, it is either a lesson or a blessin'. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference every day. Not in big ways, but just in those moments where I can either make things worse or make things better. I can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
The day that I was transplanted, I began to wonder, who was this person who saved my life. I have been fortunate enough in my journey that God saw fit to introduce me to Sandy's family and some of her friends. I have heard the stories of some of her adventures, her favorite foods, her involvement in her church and her faith. I have heard stories that confirm to me her love for her children, Angela and Adam. I have learned about here love of laughter. I've been told of her generosity and commitment to serve others.
Sandy was and still is a special lady. I live on because of her and she lives on through me. When I see Angela, Adam, Rick, Azlyn and Chesney, I know that she sees them too. When I commit to help others and reach out to those in need, I know that it is her hand reaching out as well. When I go on another adventure to see the beauty of nature, Sandy is right there. When I laugh loudly and joyfully, either at something funny or just myself, Sandy is laughing with me.
I go every year around this time to visit Sandy at her resting place to pay my respect and to tell her what has happened in my life for the last year. This year I am not able to do that right now. As soon as it is safe, I will.
Today, I am grateful. Today, I am healthy. Today, I am ready. Today, God will guide us to our next adventure and next opportunity to make a difference.
Thank you Sandy.
As I sit here thinking of all the things that I could be ungrateful for today, I have to stop and just be grateful that I am even here to have those thoughts. Every year, I pay tribute to the one person who made my life today possible. Sandy was a special woman.
On April 2, 2001, Sandy saved my life by making the decision to be an Organ Donor. I didn't know her and never dreamed or understood what that decision would mean to me and my family. I never knew what the lasting impact would be. The impact that I feel today is gratitude. I can be grateful for everything in my life today, the good and the bad. I have been given 19 bonus years in my life so far and I believe that everything that happens in my circle today happens for a specific reason, it is either a lesson or a blessin'. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference every day. Not in big ways, but just in those moments where I can either make things worse or make things better. I can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
The day that I was transplanted, I began to wonder, who was this person who saved my life. I have been fortunate enough in my journey that God saw fit to introduce me to Sandy's family and some of her friends. I have heard the stories of some of her adventures, her favorite foods, her involvement in her church and her faith. I have heard stories that confirm to me her love for her children, Angela and Adam. I have learned about here love of laughter. I've been told of her generosity and commitment to serve others.
Sandy was and still is a special lady. I live on because of her and she lives on through me. When I see Angela, Adam, Rick, Azlyn and Chesney, I know that she sees them too. When I commit to help others and reach out to those in need, I know that it is her hand reaching out as well. When I go on another adventure to see the beauty of nature, Sandy is right there. When I laugh loudly and joyfully, either at something funny or just myself, Sandy is laughing with me.
I go every year around this time to visit Sandy at her resting place to pay my respect and to tell her what has happened in my life for the last year. This year I am not able to do that right now. As soon as it is safe, I will.
Today, I am grateful. Today, I am healthy. Today, I am ready. Today, God will guide us to our next adventure and next opportunity to make a difference.
Thank you Sandy.
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