The following is a letter from a recipient to his donor family

Dear Donor family,

Two thousand days have passed since July 19, 1997, and I have thought about you and the gift of life you have given to me, every single one of those days. The precious Kidney that I received through your decision to donate your loved ones organs while you grieved, allowed me to begin a healing process that took me from a state near death to total involvement in life. Your decision to share in grief has renewed my life.

I have the absolute joy of sharing more time with my wife and daughters and now two grandsons and a year old granddaughter. I have become very actively involved in the Gift of life program to make more people aware of potential of organ transplant needs and the wondrous results. The heroic people who are the living donors, and the donor families that lost a loved one have to be recognized, for they truly have hearts of gold.

When the tragedy of September 11th occurred and all of us were shown the frailty of our lives, I must tell you that I was already living each day as if it is a special gift and telling all my loved ones how much I cared. I have had a glimpse of the other side of life and we are all living the great gift of our lives each and every day.

Colors are brighter, music is more beautiful than before, and I am constantly making memories. Our grandchildren running to us when we visit, conversations with loving friends, fishing, quiet time with my wife Toby, new places we visit, a beautiful sunset.

I feel as though this gift of life must be treasured, each and every moment. I have an enthusiasm for every new day; I try to savor them one at a time. I understand the value and meaning of not rushing past this day to get to the next.

I am living for two people now. I take every opportunity to savor these extra days I have been gifted. I consciously try to touch others and show them how much I care. I thank you from deep in my heart for this incredible, generous gift you have allowed me to share with your loved one. May you be forever blessed for your kindness to those you did not know.

Gary