Seasons in Provence: "Winter" (c) Kristin Espinasse. More info about Provence in Julie Mautner's "The Provence Post": for those who live in, travel to or just love the South of France!
le rein (leuh rehn) noun, masculine
: kidney
Audio File and Example Vocabulary:
Click to hear my daughter pronounce une greffe du rein (kidney transplant)
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
I have met so many lovely people since moving to a wine farm in the Vaucluse. Some of these travelers have shared their story of our meeting, here, in this journal. Today, we have a very special account that is sure to move you as it has others the world over. I hope you will share your thoughts in the new "Coin Commentaires" and even share this story with another. It could save a life as it has our friend Maureen's. Special thanks to Carelle and Mahmood for permission to use their daughter Nai's photographs in the following story. And thank you, Newforest, for the suggesting "le Coin Commentaires" (a.k.a. "comments box"). What better day than today to share our thoughts in our new "coin".
Like many Americans I became a “Provence-phile” after reading Peter Mayle’s book “A Year in Provence”. Now, twelve years later, my husband Lee and I continue to visit Provence every year. These visits are all about the wonderful people of Provence, their serene life-style and their superb wines.
In October 2008 we found our way from the gîte we were renting to the Rouge Bleu farmhouse, less than five minutes away. We had made new friends in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue who told us that their neighbor, in Houston Texas, imported French Country Wines. They assured us the wines were wonderful and the wine makers, Jean-Marc and Kristin Espinasse, were delightful people. Our friends were correct on both points!
The scene as we approached the farmhouse was truly hectic as the harvest was still in progress. Jean-Marc was providing direction to several of his workers while others were scurrying at a frenetic pace to get the grapes harvested and ready for the “crush”.
Jean-Marc mistook us for part of an English speaking wine tour that was not due for a couple of hours. He explained that Kristin was not available and very politely asked us to return later at the “scheduled” time. Rather than correct his mis-perception and further distract him from the harvest we left.
When we returned, we were lucky to have a few moments alone with Kristin before a group of eight of their friends from Marseilles arrived to taste (and hopefully purchase) his wines. They brought their male golden retriever to get to “better know” Kristin’s female golden retriever, Braise. Pandemonium ensued!!
(Braise, hiding in the lavender and rosemary patch. Sam, in pursuit.)
Braise was NOT ready for such a commitment and resisted all attempts of her would-be suitor. Her retreat took her around the yard, through the house and back again numerous times with Kristin’s children, Max and Jackie, in close pursuit. With each trip around the circuit the barking and yelling became louder!
Unfazed, Jean-Marc continued to expound on the many virtues of his wines. The increasing noise level prompted a response from Jules, Kristin’s mom, who was visiting. From her bedroom window on the second floor, above the courtyard where we were seated, she inquired loudly. “What is going on out there? I am trying to take a nap!”
For Lee and I it was difficult not to break down laughing at this crazy comedy playing out in front of us. It was a truly memorable and insightful introduction into the lives of Kristin and her family. As we prepared to take our newly purchased wine and leave, I told Jean-Marc how much I liked his wine-stained T-shirt. Without hesitation he stripped it off and tossed it to me with a stern warning of “Don’t wash it!” Kristen yelled across the yard, “wash it wash it!” The evening had provided another wonderful Provencal memory to savor and share with our friends.
In the few quiet minutes before the arrival of their friends from Marseilles, we enjoyed talking with Kristin. She asked many questions prompting me to share my “special story” with her.
I lived as a Type-1, insulin dependent diabetic (juvenile diabetes) for 44 years since I was diagnosed at age 11. I suffered many of the complications, feet problems, vision loss, nerve damage, and kidney failure. In 2006, our annual visit to Provence had to be hastily arranged for July. I was going to be added to the kidney transplant list. This meant I could be no more than six hours from my hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. With the prospects of dialysis (or worse) looming and the fear that I may never see my beloved Provence again, it was a bittersweet visit. There are over 100,000 people on the waiting list for an organ transplant in the USA; another is added to the list every 11 minutes; 18 die every day waiting for an organ.
On April 27, 2007, the medical nightmare ended. I received the “Gift of Life,” a kidney AND a pancreas from an organ donor killed in an auto accident. The next day I was insulin free, no longer a diabetic. Although I still must deal with the diabetic complications from years past, I am healthy, happy, and able to visit “our” Provence.
After the transplant surgery I recovered sufficiently to make our September 2007 visit to Provence. This visit was an entirely different and a vastly better vacation!! I was no longer tied to a very tight regime of constantly checking my blood sugar, eating and taking insulin to manage my diabetes. I was “FREE,” no longer diabetic! This was the first year we rented our now-favorite gîte close to Kristin and Jean-Marc.
Some wonderful, loving and caring people make my “special story” possible. It crosses geographic boundaries as well as the perceived boundaries of religion and culture. This demonstrates again that people the world over share the same values.
The first of these wonderful and caring people was Naiyareh Karimimanesh, a beautiful 28 year-old Iranian-American woman, who died in the auto accident. At the age of 16, “Nai” as she liked to be called, had the maturity and compassion to become an organ donor and have it displayed on her driver’s license. This simple act saved my life and the life of another woman that was within hours of death due to kidney and liver failure
Nai was beautiful on the inside as well. She strongly believed that diversity makes us richer and stronger as a society. She had recently passed the bar exam and was working for one of the more prestigious law firms in Atlanta, but her intent was to dedicate herself to defending the rights of women in less developed areas of the world where they suffer from cultural and religious abuse.
With the love and guidance of her parents, Carelle and Mahmood, Nai became an incredible woman. At the time of Nai’s tragic
accident they were half a world away in Iran visiting family. For us it is still unbelievable that when confronted with the worst possible news, the loss of their only child, they were able to give permission for Nai’s organs to be donated, saving the lives of two women they had never seen.
In April of 2008, near the first anniversary of my life-saving transplant surgery, we received the first letter from Carelle and Mahmood and responded immediately. I had not written after my surgery because I could not find adequate words to express the dichotomy of my emotions. I was grieving for the parents of this young woman and their unimaginable loss but at the same time happy with my incredible good fortune to have received her organs and a second chance for life.
We began a correspondence via the organization that coordinates organ transplantation in Georgia. The process is slow, designed to shield the identities of both the donor’s family and the recipient until both sides are emotionally ready to meet. From their wonderful letters we knew we were ready to immediately meet Carelle and Mahmood. However it would be just after we returned from Provence in October 2008 that we were provided names and contact information. I could not sleep for days before our first phone call. I still did not have the words to express my emotions. All worries vanished within minutes of first speaking to each other. It was clear that our lives would be forever linked.
In January 2009 they came from California and stayed with us for a couple of weeks. They introduced us to their friends in Atlanta, many of Iranian descent and of the Baha’i faith as well as some of Nai’s friends from law school. These remarkable people are coping with the lost of their only child by focusing on the positives that came from her death. In April, Lee and I flew to California to be with Carelle and Mahmood to mark the second anniversary of my transplant and the loss of Nai. As a tribute to Nai, Mahmood arranged for a three-hour interview on Persian satellite TV to tell “our special story” and to promote organ donation. The program aired in North and South America and via Internet feeds to the whole world.
Days after we returned from our October 2009 visit to Provence, Carelle and Mahmood visited Atlanta again to support my fund raising efforts for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The 2009 Atlanta Walk for a Cure raised over 1.9 million dollars for diabetic research. Maureen’s Dream Team was renamed to Maureen AND Naiyareh’s Dream Team raising almost $10,000.
In Nai’s memory Carelle and Mahmood continue to support charitable efforts around the world to educate and build better lives for women. To learn more about Naiyareh go to her website.)
I am so grateful for the “Gift of Life” that has given me more time with the people I love. I am continuing fund raising for JDRF to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes. (To support this effort visit www.jdrf.org.) Lee and I also are volunteering with Life Link to promote organ denotation. (To become an organ donor visit www.lifelinkfound.org or http://www.donatelife.org; In the UK visit www.uktransplant.org.uk.)
We are grateful to Kristin for allowing us to share my “special story” with her and her followers on French-Word-A-Day.
Maureen Templeton-Adams & Lee Adams
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouragements here in the comments box. I know that Nai's family and Maureen and Lee, will be delighted to read your notes.
Postnote: Jean-Marc, on hearing Maureen's story, said that is was a shame that French driver's licenses didn't offer the organ donor's info (as the US driver's licenses do. What about other countries?). In France, it is necessary to carry a separate card.
Nai's mom, Carelle, and Maureen (left and second to left, respectively) at the JDRF Atlanta Walk for a Cure along with Maureen & Naiyareh's Dream Team
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
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Beautiful. Tragically beautiful. I admire Nai’s parents for working through their horrible loss in such a positive manner.
Natalie said it: “Tragically beautiful.” Both my wife and I have “DONOR” on our drivers’ licenses. It seems like the only sensible thing to do – if I can no longer “use” my organs, hopefully someone else can, and maybe save a life like Nai did. I’m also a registered bone marrow donor (yet to be called). Bone marrow can be donated while you are alive.
What a moving story!
I too admire Nai’s parents for their courageous and positive decision. It’s so true that a simple thing like an organ donor card can have such a profound impact.
I live in Dubai right now, not sure there is such a program here at all!
Thank you for sharing this.
Maureen, this is truly a heart-warming and inspirational story of love and life. I’m not sure what it is that makes us think twice about checking that Organ Donor box on the Drivers License Registration. It’s such a tiny little action in a millisecond of time compared to the hugh impact it makes in the lives of the individuals and families it touches. I am a donor and I will encourage my friends and family to do the same by forwarding your story to them.
Also, thanks also for providing us with that humorous peek into a day in the life of the Espinasse family. You are a wonderful writer.
I totally agree about the wonderful bittersweet gift which Maureen received and it is outstanding how she and Nai’s parents are so very active in diabetes research fundraising. My question is when are Nai’s parents going to go to Provence to complete the circle of friendship ?
Margot (Edgecomb, Maine)
I would like to endorse all of the comments about the need for organ donation and to emphasize how easy it is to become a donor and how satisfying it is for the surviving partner.
My wife was the recipient of a donated cornea in 1995 and when she died her kidneys and her liver transformed the lives of three people.
The following is a piece I wrote for the annual journal of my commune (at the request of the Mayor) with the English version following.
Don d’organes
Carole Hardcastle est mort tragiquement et sans avertissement le 22 Septembre.
Il ya plusieurs années, elle et son mari Michael ont discuté des avantages et la moralité du don d’organes et avait convenu que si cela est possible, le partenaire survivant après le décès de l’un ou l’autre d’entre eux, ferait en sorte que le plus grand nombre d’organes possible serait être donnés à aider les autres. Cette décision a été renforcée lorsque, en 1995, Carole a été l’heureuse récipiendaire d’un don de cornée. Elle a estimé que d’avoir reçu une partie donnés corps qu’elle était moralement obligé de donner tout ce qu’elle pouvait en retour.
La procédure suit son décès a été facilité par le personnel de soins médicaux et sympathique au Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, en Angleterre, où Carole est mort. Bien que les décisions doivent être prises peu après la mort, il n’y a eu aucune tentative de faire pression Michael en donnant son consentement. En tout cas, ce n’était pas nécessaire parce que Carole-même avait pris la décision années auparavant.
Une infirmière a été attribué à Michael et son fils Jason afin qu’ils puissent avoir la plupart des informations à jour. On lui a dit de téléphoner dès qu’elle a eu de nouvelles et de tout temps, jour et nuit. Son premier appel a été à 2,00 h à dire que les deux reins ont été transplantés de façon satisfaisante.
Tous les dons d’organes ont été utilisés avec succès. Un rein a été donné à un an homme de cinquante ans vivant dans le sud du Pays de Galles, qui a été en mesure de conserver son emploi comme un métallurgiste. L’autre rein a été donné à un une femme avec deux jeunes enfants, elle vient d’avoir trente et un ans qui vivent à Londres. Ces deux personnes vivent maintenant une vie normale sans dialyse. Son foie a été donné à un une femme de soixante-dix ans qui vit dans Birmingham qui souffrait d’une maladie dégénérative du foie, le don lui a permis de vivre de façon autonome à nouveau.
Tissu cardiaque Carole sera utilisée pour réparer des cœurs endommagés, notamment dans la réparation des trous. Cette mai sera particulièrement utile avec les enfants qui souffrent de ce défaut.
Le concept du don d’organe est chargé d’émotivité pour beaucoup de gens, c’est pourquoi les décisions doivent être prises à l’avance afin que les souhaits du candidat au don sont effectuées. Michael et Jason sont heureux de savoir qu’elles étaient en mesure d’effectuer Carole propre décision à la suite de sa mort et le fait qu’elle a pu aider de nombreuses personnes à mener une vie saine leur donne beaucoup de confort. C’est peut-être le meilleur mémorial peut avoir.
Organ Donation
Carole Hardcastle died tragically and without warning on 22nd September.
Many years ago she and her husband Michael had discussed the benefits and the morality of organ donation and had agreed that if at all possible, the surviving partner following the death of one or the other of them, would ensure that as many organs as possible would be donated to help others. This decision was reinforced when in 1995 Carole was the fortunate recipient of a donated cornea. She felt that having received a donated body part she was morally obliged to give what she could in return.
The procedure following her death was made easier by caring and sympathetic medical staff at Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield in England where Carole died. Although decisions have to be made soon after the death there was no attempt to pressure Michael into giving his consent. In any case this was not necessary because Carole herself had made the decision years before.
A specialist nurse was allocated to Michael and his son Jason so that they could be given the most up to date information. She was told to telephone as soon as she had any news and any time day or night. Her first call was at 2.00 a.m. to say that both kidneys had been satisfactorily transplanted.
All of the donated organs have been successfully used. One kidney was donated to a 50-year-old man living in South Wales, who was able to keep his job as a steelworker. The other kidney was given to a 31-year-old mother of two young children living in London. Both of these people are now living normal lives without dialysis. Her liver was given to a 70-year-old Birmingham woman who was suffering from a degenerative liver disease; the donation has enabled her to live independently again.
Carole’s heart tissue will be used to repair damaged hearts, in particular repairs to holes. This may be of particular help with children suffering from this defect.
The concept of organ donation is an emotional one for many people, which is why decisions need to be made in advance so that the prospective donor’s wishes are carried out. Both Michael and Jason are glad that they were able to carry out Carole’s own decision following her death and the fact that she was able to help so many people to lead healthy lives gives them a great deal of comfort. It is perhaps the best memorial one can have.
Carole was 66, very fit and very beautiful and I wish that I could attach a picture to emphasize the point that death can come to anyone at any time. Carole had no health problems at all, she was taking no medication, she had never been seriously ill in her life. Nobody could have expected her to die.
Thanks for a super column.
Mike.
What a wonderful post. It made me laugh and cry. Yes, it’s important not only to check that donor box, but let everyone in your family know so that there is no doubt about a decision.
It’s snowing again here in Missouri, but it doesn’t seem to be sticking on the streets.
My family has lived with generations of hereditary kidney disease, my now 20-year son with Asperger’s (high functioning autism) diagnosed with it only last year. My sister received a kidney transplant from a woman from Columbia whose family happened to be visiting when she had an anuerysm that caused brain death. They agreed to donate her organs and my sister became one of the recipients. Her name was Yudi. My sister named that kidney ‘Grace,’ for she felt so blessed with grace to have been given such a gift. Thank you for reminding people of how important their organ donation information is not just on their driver’s license, but in telling their family members their wishes so if the worst happens, something miraculous can come from it. Someday, I will need that same grace.
Pamela, Wilmington NC
Maureen’s and Nai’s stories remind me why, years ago, I checked the organ donor box on my driver’s license. I hope that Kristi’s readers who have not yet done so will think about “the gift of life” and reconsider.
Nai’s parents are wonderful to promote this cause as are Maureen and Lee for their support of organ donation and the fight against diabetes.
This is also an important reminder that no matter our differences what we have in common is what makes us humane.
Dear Mike and Jason. I’m very sad for the sudden and unexpected lose you must certainly continue to feel. Thanks for sharing that story. Like Julie said – it sure seems like a good idea to talk about this with those closest to you so that they can be double-sure your wishes are carried out.
What a great story! You truly have the gift of life. I have been involved with the Atlanta ADA Chapter for many years, and have ridden in the Tour De Cure. What a great group of people they are.
Lovely story about lovely people. Beautiful photos as well.
Thank you for sharing.
Kristin…this is blogging at its best… connecting people and their touchingly important stories/issues in a warm, compassionate and sensitive way. Thank you, Maureen for sharing your’s and Nai’s story.
Thank you for sharing this story. Reading it was a beautiful and heartwarming way to begin my week. I too would love to see Nai’s family visit Provence.
Thanks Maureen for telling us your story and to Nai for giving you the gift of life. She is a special angel. I have been an organ donor ever since I got my license at 16.
Thanks again for sharing your story.
Thanks to all of you for sharing this story.
Nai was a beautiful woman, inside and out. What a special family she has. A very dear friend had two children under age 6 when he was told he needed a liver transplant. Thanks to a generous donor and family, he got a new liver and survived four more years. I’ve been an organ donor for many years.
Wonderful story about some truly beautiful people. Thank you all for sharing with us.
What a moving story and such parents! One has to wonder sometimes how and why we humans, seemingly strangers to each other, become connected. We were at a prayer meeting last night praying for the Baha’is of Iran who have been persecuted since the Iranian revolution.
A lot of beauty hovers around you Kristin, beautiful friends and family and dogs. A great day to all of you!
xx
Oh please, please continue to check that box to donate your organs and let your family members know and your family physician as well. My son’s life has been saved three times now, the first kidney transplant was a gift from my husband. (the doctors don’t tell you that one may not be enough for your lifetime!) The second two were anonymous donors and oh how I wish I could thank their families in person! Jim is now married and has fathered my three precious grand daughters. One even got to visit me in Paris two years ago and she met you, Kristin. The story of Maureen and Nai is wonderful and I hope everyone will come to understand the importance of organ donation.
Mike, thank you for sharing with us about Carole. Please send me her photo, if you would like to, and I will post it with your touching story.
Jeanne, thank you for pointing out that we can be kidney donors while still living. We were born with 2 but only need one, so it’s like God gave us a spare! And it’s so much easier now with the laproscopic procedure. There are so many stories of need and of generosity. Thank you, Maureen and Kristin, for sharing this beautiful story with all of us.
This is a very moving and touching story. Maureen, Nai, Nai’s parents, Carole, and Mike all deserve credit for their efforts to share organs and continuing to promote organ donation.
Some years ago, I heard about an American family vacationing in Italy. They were in a car crash and their young son died. Seven people received organs from him!
I have two cousins who are insulin-dependent diabetics (one now has an insulin pump). I’ve not only had “donor” on my driver’s license for years, I’ve written specific instructions for them to be offered my pancreas and/or kidneys, if needed. If not, they and all other possible organs are to be offered to whoever can use them. Thanks for the note on cardiac tissue – I hadn’t known about that.
I’ve collected door-to-door for charities, including the Kidney Foundation. I’ve often gotten the reaction, when mentioning organ donation, “Oh, that’s too morbid to think about.” But we should think about it, as noted in other posts, because we never know which day will be our last.
My first husband passed away with no warning from a heart attack. After he died, I stayed in the hospital for a while. No one asked me about organ donation. I was so in shock that I didn’t think about it until it was too late to give organs to living people. I later arranged for his eyes to be used for research.
My second husband developed pancreatic cancer, and did not survive. Because of the cancer, his organs could not be used. I made, and continue to make, contributions to help fund pancreatic cancer research. If for some reason my pancreas cannot be donated, I want it, also, to be used for research. Pancreatic cancer has by far the lowest survival rate of all cancers.
Re the comment about donating bone marrow. I called a couple of years ago, at age not quite 59, and was told I was “too old.” Apparently bone marrow isn’t normally taken from people 60 and over, because it’s less effective, or something. When an article appeared about bone-marrow donation a few montsh ago in the Washington Post, mentioning the need for more bone marrow, the paper printed my letter urging the powers that be to take older donors on a case-by-case basis. After all, I’ve donated blood for 40 years, swim laps, eat right, etc. This is a resource that could be tapped.
In sum, we should all do what we can to help each other whenever possible.
Kristin, thanks for sharing this story with us.
Thank you for this story. How surprised was I to read that Maureen’s organs were from a lovely woman I knew when we were in college together and had lost touch with. I didn’t believe until I saw her picture, smiling away. I didn’t know that Nai had passed, but she was truly amazing and someone I looked up to incredibly.
What a tribute to Nai and her family for telling your story, Maureen. (and Kristin) On behalf of the donor family community, I can’t tell you how much it means to hear your gratitude and the healing that Nai’s gift has given you.
My brother Isaac became a donor almost two years go after he was killed in a hit-and-run car crash. He was 26. We are in good touch with the young man who received his heart, but not a day goes by that I don’t wonder about the five other people who received his other organs. Maureen, I just hope you know how much it means to hear of your appreciation and sympathy. Take care.
What a tribute to Nai and her family for telling your story, Maureen. (and Kristin) On behalf of the donor family community, I can’t tell you how much it means to hear your gratitude and the healing that Nai’s gift has given you.
My brother Isaac became a donor almost two years ago after he was killed in a hit-and-run car crash. He was 26. We are in good touch with the young man who received his heart, but not a day goes by that I don’t wonder about the five other people who received his other organs. Maureen, I just hope you know how much it means to hear of your appreciation and sympathy. Take care.
Thank you for sharing this story. While wiping my tears away, I check to be sure my donor card was in my change purse, and look at the donor box on my driver’s license. My family knows my wishes. I am forwarding this story to all of them as a reminder, though I doubt they need one. Again, thank you for posting.
Reading about the story on this blog, as i already know it since i am close friends with Maureen and Lee Adams, i can just confirm how wonderful Maureen is and how blessed we all feel that she was able to survive thanks to the brave young and beautiful Nai. At times like this we stop and appreciate the life a little bit more, and admire people who make the right decisions that save other lives…I love all the comments that people have left, and i love my dear Maureen!!!
Thank you sincerely everyone…
Sans commentaires. Je suis muet.
Kristin .. there simply are not enough words to cover the range of emotion touched by this post. Your French Word A Day is truly evolving into an incredibly special SERVICE to everyone involved. Mahalo Nui Loa for being the catalyst of such a beautifully orchestrated, spirit filled vessel.
Felicitations! Just to add my agreement to all the above. In Canada we can also use our drivers license for donating organs. Alas, not at my age!
I second Bill’s comment! I am both touched and moved by Maureen’s beautiful, and beautifully written, story. Thank you to Maureen and Kristi for blessing us with this today. It is magical how the ripple of kindness makes its way into all of our lives. May we be blessed enough to recognize this.
Thanks to Newforest: I love Le Coin Commentaires.
What a beautiful story! i was just this morning talking to my neighbor about his wife who is going thru the process required to get on a list for a lung. The doctor told him that the problem will be finding a lung small enough to fit. You see, his wife is very petite and only weighs 90 pounds. The doctor mentioned that he wished more parents would consider organ donation as many adults need the smaller organs. To be honest with you, I had never thought about it that way and now understand the importance of educating adults about the benefit of donating their children’s organs. I’m sure that is probably the hardest decision a parent has to make but the results are so beneficial.
Kudos to Nai’s parents for being strong enough to save the lives of two others. Your story opened my eyes and my heart.
Wow, this story really hits home since I also was fortunate enough to know Nai from law school in Atlanta. I have passed it along to some of her other law school friends so that they too can see the amazing gift that Nai and her family have provided Maureen. What an incredibly small world. Kristen, your blog is always a joy to read but this one was truly one of the most beautiful and poignant. Thank you so much to the families for sharing your journey.
What a wonderful and heartwarming story. Thank you so much Maureen for sharing and to Nai’s parents too! The loss of their only child and yet they give and give. Thank you also Mike for sharing your beautiful story about Carole. I am typing this through tears both of joy and of sadness. Love to all.
What a beautiful young woman Nai was. Thank you for sharing this story which truly cross all boundaries. Here in Australia we also have the organ donation/driver’s licence program. However we still have a great shortage of organs. Maureen’s story of how her life has been transformed by Nai’s gift is beautiful, happy and sad.
What a wonderful story and touching illustration for everyone.
My driver’s license has Organ Donor written in vertical lettering. All 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada have the organ donor option available. Here’s the appropriate link:
http://organdonations.ca/help/organdonor/
A wonderful story of the good in humanity as opposed to the destructive elements. In Australia even though your driver’s license indicates you as an organ donor it is not automatically assumed, family permission still has to be gained.
My heart goes out to Nai’s family. What a blessing that she chose to be an organ donor so that even in her untimely and tragic death, she could still bring hope and life to others. I’m so thankful we do have the medical technology to be able to share organs with others.
Thanks for sharing the story, Kristin.
Such a touching, inspirational story. I think you Kristin have provided a place for this loving and intimate story to be presented and to help so many others.
Thank you Kristin.
Tears of humility and gratitude from being blessed with the true story of human magnanimity in our world racked with violence and hunger for mercy…..
The photo of Sam chasing Braise brings to mind a quote — “A man chases a woman until she catches him.”
Kristin,
Thank you for sharing that story. Diabetes is a terrible disease. I have seen what it does to patients I have helped, and I see what it has done to my dad. He has Type 2 Diabetes,and is having to deal with the complication’s that it brings, on a daily basis now.
Enjoy the rest of the week. I have to try to make it out of my neighborhood to work. They say there is more snow to come, so I may get trapped there for a few days. It’s a good thing I love my job!
Take care
What a beautiful and touching story–thank you for sharing. The gift of life by donating our organs is always uplifting despite the loss of a life.
Kristin
I believe everyone already said it one way or another, a very moving touching story. When I read these stories or people in my life have stories like this to share, what always amazes me is the compassion and goodness and kindness that it brings out in others to step forth and help out. Or decide to become a donor, or give blood or volunteer in areas of devastation. It is like a deep well with a vibrant source continually pouring forth from the inner being of us all that truly unites us all together, that I find inspiring. Sorry I am so late to post a comment was gone all day.
Joanny
What a beautiful hopeful story and a heartfelt tribute to such a lovely, promising young woman. What a loss both to her family and friends as well as to the world. She sounds like she would have been one of those rare people who could have made a real difference. Thanks for writing about it. Cynthia
How wonderful of Nai to have had the forethought to be a donor. As an ex theatre nurse and been involved in kidney donations in the past, I know time if of the essence, thus a national database of donors is so vital. This has just started in UK and I have signed up having notified family members. Whatever organs required can be removed without disturbing the external appearance. The communication between families following donation is painful but positive.
Alice Halliday, Sussex, UK
As soon as my husband wakes up, we’re signing our driver’s licenses! Many thanks to everyone for sharing your stories … truly inspirational!
Fred, I have heard your quote before and I’m pretty sure that it must have been said by a man trying desperately to convince himself that, despite appearances, the object of his desire really does return his affection.
Dearest Maureen,
I have been touched to the center of my heart by your story, thank you for sharing a part of your life with me. I always feel like I am a voyeur in the secret corner of Kristi’s life through all of the coin commentaires I read here, today I feel especially privileged to have been a witness to the special message you have shared with Kristi and I of her friends. I had to let your words percolate along with my tears for Nai, and especially for her lovely Mom and Dad, Carelle and Mahmood. I followed your path to Nai’s blog and was blessed with the melody and song “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” somehow fulfilling the circle of love you have presented us with through your story. I am proud to be #1170 visiting her – and feeling her spirit as I brushed my tears away. I felt her love and knowing that you have the privilege of carrying on her “Sunshine” is a story that I pray will be told many times.
I am so sorry that I was not able to meet you when you visited with Kristi in 2008, I always want to visit with Kristi and JM visitors, I think I understood the visitors of that particular day were not connected to French-Word-A-Day so I passed. Little did I know that would be the first meeting of Sailor Sam. Look at all I missed out on by holding back…a lesson I could have learned from Nai for she has taught us all not to hold back.
God Bless You and your new family,
XOXO,
JULES