For a long time now, we have hoped for the phone call that we received today. It was from Lifenet. They are the organization that we worked with when we donated Chandler's organs. About a year and a half ago, they informed us of the recipients of his organs. We've always wanted to hear from the recipients. We've sent all of them letters but have only heard from 2 of them (by letter) so far. For some reason, we've especially wanted to hear from the heart recipient, who was an 11 year old girl. Just knowing that Chandler's heart still beats in the body of someone else is so hard to comprehend.
During the phone call today, our Lifenet contact updated us on that young girl. She told us that she is planning to go trick or treating tomorrow night. That tells us that she is doing well. Because of Chandler's heart, she is able to live her life. She is able to do what young girls should be doing. That's great news! Of course, it is bittersweet for us because it took our son's heart to help her.
The next thing we were told was that the heart recipient is ready to talk to us. Are you kidding me?! Did she really say that? We've wanted to talk to her since the day we found out about her. As soon as we got the news today, all I could do was cry. We have to fill out some paperwork first. Then, we'll be able to swap phone numbers and plan the call. It will be a very difficult call. The girl we'll be talking to will have Chandler's beating heart inside of her. I just can't really imagine that. I don't even know if I'll be able to get any words to come out of my mouth. It's so hard to understand. I mean, my son is no longer with us. He is in heaven. But, his heart still beats! But, it's not beating inside of him anymore. That's hard to swallow and harder to accept. We don't know where she lives or anything about her at this time. I do hope that if our first conversation goes well, then maybe we'll be able to meet her in person one day. Now, that would be a dream come true for me. To be able to hug her and to feel the beating heart of Chandler would be amazing! But, we'll take it one step at a time.
As emotional as all of this is, we are so thankful for this call today. It is an answer to prayer. I am thrilled that this young girl wants to talk to us. We'll be getting our paperwork filled out and sent back in and we'll be preparing for this very special call.
