God's Timing

God's timing never ceases to amaze me.  Today started out to be just a normal day.  But, as the day continued on, it began to change.  Needless to say, the last few years have been very emotional and stressful for our family.  The obvious reason is our loss of Chandler.  But, that's not all we've dealt with.  I'm not going to go into details here because it doesn't matter.  My point in bringing it up is because I handle my emotions and stress in my own way.  It's not always the best way.  I keep things to myself - a lot.  You would think I'm okay but then, something happens and it triggers a major blow up.  It's not pretty and I'm not proud of them.  Today, that happened.  The sad thing is that my young ones witnessed it.  Caleb will be happy to know that he was not here.  I have apologized to my kids for it.  After it was all over, I got on the treadmill and ran for a while.  I needed that!  While I was running, the mail was delivered.  So, after I finished my run, I went to check the mail.  This is where God's timing comes in. 

I received a piece of mail from our LifeNet Health Donor Family Advocate.  This is the lady who works as the liason between us (the donor family) and the donor recipient families.  We haven't heard anything from her in a while.  So, I opened the letter to start reading.  She shared some information with me about a local organization here in NC that we can be a part of.  Then, she included a note from one of the recipients that was written to us.  We've heard from this recipient before.  It's the recipient who received Chandler's lungs.  It was written several months ago.  It's short, but it's the sweetest, most heartfelt note.  Here's what it says:

"As Nov. 16 passes, I am compelled to thank you again for your decision to help me by donating your son's organs.  He saved my life!"

"I stood on the beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean last month & thanked God for your family.  May He comfort & strengthen you this Thanksgiving."

After reading that note, I just wept.  The words that were written were perfect.  Chandler's lungs saved this person's life.  This person is living because of Chandler.  Of course, I wish so badly that Chandler was here.  But, the fact that his lungs are allowing another person to live is amazing to me.  In a small way, that is comforting.  And, the fact that the recipient stood at that beach and thanked God for our family and prayed for comfort and strength for us is just perfect.  We love the beach and for the recipient to let us know that she was at the beach just makes it so much more special.  I can almost imagine her standing there on that beach, breathing the fresh ocean air with Chandler's lungs as she thanks God.  What a beautiful picture that is!

I don't know why it took so long to receive this note.  But, God knew that today was the perfect day for us to get it.  I am truly thankful for this today. 

I know I've said it before but if you haven't considered organ donation, do it now.  When those organs are no longer of any use to you, they are very important to other people.  They can be a matter of life and death.  If you or someone you know needed an organ, you would want it to be available.  Donate Life!