A great out of the blue reminder
December 13, 1995. My husband and I showed up to a Knoxville church and put out our arms. It was a day to give blood and hope one of us became a bone marrow match for a little girl.
Sadly, neither we, nor the hundreds of others who showed up were found to be a match. Sadly, no match was found in time and another little girl was taken from her faithful family. I’m embarrassed that I can’t remember her name. I remember the day, though, and remember how much her parents appreciated the crowds, and what a sweet smile she shared with us. Maybe she knew a match wouldn’t be found for her. She seemed wise beyond her few years. She seemed to be tapped in to a higher realm.
I haven’t thought about this day in a while, but last night I opened a letter that brought it all back to me. The letter was from the National Marrow Donor Program, asking that I update my information. I did, and once again, the registry can find me in a moment’s notice, should I be a match to help save someone’s life.
We often say on the news that this time of year is a great time to talk with family and let everyone know your wishes on donating or being a donor. It seems a morbid conversation at such a happy time, but it is a gracious conversation to share the ultimate gift, as was shared with us who truly believe in Christmas. And then, after you have that conversation, make it a resolution in the New Year to get yourself on the bone marrow registry. We can give a desperate family hope, as would need if in their shoes.
www.bethematch.org
Peace, Kim
Sadly, neither we, nor the hundreds of others who showed up were found to be a match. Sadly, no match was found in time and another little girl was taken from her faithful family. I’m embarrassed that I can’t remember her name. I remember the day, though, and remember how much her parents appreciated the crowds, and what a sweet smile she shared with us. Maybe she knew a match wouldn’t be found for her. She seemed wise beyond her few years. She seemed to be tapped in to a higher realm.
I haven’t thought about this day in a while, but last night I opened a letter that brought it all back to me. The letter was from the National Marrow Donor Program, asking that I update my information. I did, and once again, the registry can find me in a moment’s notice, should I be a match to help save someone’s life.
We often say on the news that this time of year is a great time to talk with family and let everyone know your wishes on donating or being a donor. It seems a morbid conversation at such a happy time, but it is a gracious conversation to share the ultimate gift, as was shared with us who truly believe in Christmas. And then, after you have that conversation, make it a resolution in the New Year to get yourself on the bone marrow registry. We can give a desperate family hope, as would need if in their shoes.
www.bethematch.org
Peace, Kim
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