The Tiny Red Heart That Saves Lives

There is something that I have been putting off for almost a year now.  A new drivers license.  I could say that I was too busy or kept forgetting but truthfully I really DID NOT want to go.  My number one reason was I loved my picture (young, thin, great hair and my favorite sweater!) Second, I would have to retake the eye exam and I was afraid I would fail.  I spent 20+ years pre-lasik messing with glasses and contacts and I did not want to go back.  My final motivators to head to the DMV were not being able to cash a check or buy wine :)

So, off I went.  It was a pleasant and quick trip with two small children.  Seriously, in and out in 15 minutes (5 of that was getting them in the stroller).  I took a new picture, passed the eye test and answered "YES" to a simple question.  As the polite and kind lady behind the desk asked, "Would you like to be an organ donor?" I felt my throat tighten and my eyes start to well. 

You see after we buried Charlie a friend asked my mother if we had donated Charlie's organs.  I was so enraged!  What organs should we have given? The heart that had a huge hole in it? The kidneys that didn't function?  The lungs that didn't develop?  It just felt like a slap in the face (although I am certain it wasn't meant that way.) 

Over the past 6+ months we have followed the journey of Parson Herrington, a precious child of God, who is in need of a lung transplant.  The extended Herrington clan is a very special group to me, Jared and our children.  Hands down some of our very best friends. 

And now here is the honest and shameful truth.  I am jealous of Jenn, Parson's mom.  How AWFUL is that?  I wish that I would have been able to fight for Charlie longer and with even half of Jenn's gusto.  I wish I could have sat next to him in the NICU with my clinical strength antiperspirant and FOUGHT!  The ultimate and embarrassing example of the grass is always greener...

In a little over an hour, Parson should receive a transplant.  Jenn's words tonight were "My best day ever, is their worst day ever."  If I could have given Charlie's organs it would not have made it any easier to lose him.  I would not have said, "Oh, NOW I understand and accept that he died so another child could live."

But this I know.  Jenn's best day did not cause this family's worst day.  Yet, their worst day allowed for the Herrington's best day. 

Will you let your "worst" be another family's "best"??  Will you answer YES?  I did because Lord knows I won't need these organs where I am going!

God here I am on bended knee once again begging you to place Your hands on each and every person who is praying, pleading, crying and working to give Parson a new lease on life.  Be with the Herringtons and the town of Jasper and provide them Your peace.  The peace that passes all understanding.  And Jesus...please hold my Charlie tight until we are together again. 


DPS Signs up record number of organ donors

Parson's story