Life after Life

A few months after Michaela died, I got a letter, through the Translife agency, from a woman who had recieved one of Michaela's organs.  She simply wrote to say that she was doing well and that she was grateful.  She also asked for a picture of Michaela.

What a wonderful gift she gave me.  Confirmation that at least one person is still alive today who may not have been.  A mother who would have left behind a family. 

I sent her a picture and gave permission to the agency to share my personal address so that communication wouldn't have to go through the agency any longer.  She thanked me and told me that she had the picture printed on a pin so she could wear it everywhere she went and tell her story.  Another beautiful gift.

She also sent me a beautiful tapestry that she made while she was first dying and then recovering.  It is an amazing piece, so detailed and beautiful.  It told me very much about the woman herself and the care she takes with life and beauty. 

The other day she asked me if there were others like her who contacted me.  She used the term 'life after life'.   I love that. 

No, there haven't been any others.  I can certainly understand that.  How very difficult to come up with the words to say to someone when you are alive because someone they love is not.  But I think if you look at it the way she looks at it...as life after life....rather than life after death....it gives it a whole different perspective.  It is a positive thing.  Michaela isn't defined by her death; she is defined by the life she lived.

I would ask organ recipients to think about this.  Nothing is harmed by letting the family who gave you this gift know that you are doing well.  That good came from tragedy.  You don't have to give any personal information at all...just a note that says, 'Hey, I'm doing fine. Thank you.' is a gift bigger than you can imagine.  The gift of knowing, for sure, there is Life after Life.