We recently received letters from 2 of the four families affected by the donation of Edna Mae's Organs. Shannon and I wrote to the families explaining to them who Em was and what she enjoyed in December hoping we would hear from the families. We are looking forward to the day that we can meet them. We wanted to share the letters with all of you, although they are bitter sweet, because it does bring us a sense of comfort knowing that these families will not have to endure the kind of pain that we have had to experience.
We hope it will help each of you make the decision to donate organs if you are ever in the similar position.
The first letter is from a woman, mother of three girls who received Em's two kidneys.
Dear Cassie & Shannon,
My name is Shantel, I am the recipient who received Edna Mae's kidneys.
First and for most, I would like to send my condolences to your family. For the loss of your baby Edna Mae who was your gift from God. I hope your family is doing well and allowing God to heal your broken hearts. Edna Mae may be gone from your presence now, but I know you are holding on to her loving memerories that would always be in your hearts.
I'm so appreciative to have received this gift from Edna Mae. When I received the call on August 11, 2009 at 8:41pm to go and have my blood drawn to see if I was a match. This was my 9th call, and I never felt let down because I gave this situation to God. "I told God this is your situation this is too much for me to handle". So, at maybe 4:30am on August 12, 2009, I received a call that would change my life forever.
I received your letter on January 19, 2010, I normally let the girls get the mail, but today I did. As I begin to look through the mail I saw this letter from Life Alliance. I open this letter first, I read the cover page from the Quality Coordinator from University of Miami. The second page is what brought me to tears as I continued to read the letter I could not move from my car. I was so overwhelmed with joy, peace and love but sadness too because of your loss. Your gift allowed me to have more time with my three girls and fiancee.
(she has three girls 17, 11 and 9 years old)
I wanted to request to meet with the family months ago, but did not know how the family was coping with your loss of your child. So I backed off, and for me to have received this letter was such a great gift for me. I did not want to bring your family more pain. I know that it had to be a very hard decision to have to decide to donate Edna Mae's organs to someone else. I really thank God for your heart felt decision because it gave me a second chance to have life with my family.
Cassie and Shannon, I don't know if this is true or not, but when I read in your letter that Edna Mae had a sweet tooth. I began to laugh, because when I came home from the hospital all I wanted was sweets. I would eat ice cream sandwiches from Publix on a daily bases. I would ask myself and others about htis, or I would say maybe it's from my medication, but why would it give me a craving for sweets all the time. I still have the taste for sweets I'm trying to cut back because I have gained so much weight since the kidney transplant that was last August.
Although, Edna Mae's life was short here on earth, God has given me a part of Edna Mae for a reason. I know that there could have been so many other people, but I was one of the bless ones to receive her kidneys that was donated to me upon your decision. Edna Mae was a perfect match for me.
I'm doing very well now. I would like ot meet you and your family if you don't mind. I will also understand if you are not up for htis gathering. Again, I say thanks for this precious gift. Words can't express my gratitude for the gift that was given to me by your perfect little angel.
The Gift of Life,
Shantel & Family
This letter is from the parents of a 11 month old boy, who received Em's Liver.
Hi Cassie and Shannon;
Thank you for contacting us. My name is Tonia and my husband's name is Maurice. We also live in Florida.
Mason is our only child, he is 11 months old. He is very strong, vibrant and alert baby. He is learning to crawl and sit up right now. His favorite thing is a little chew giraffe called "Sofie", that we can't leave the house without. He loves watching Spongebob, Handy Manny and football with his dad.
Edna Mae is our angel, she gave Mason a second chance at life. We can't thank you and your family enough. THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Maurice and Tonia
