So my one year anniversary was 10 days ago. I am so grateful to be alive and spending time with my beautiful wife and the blessing of my two kids. My daughter will be turning six soon and my son just turned two. If it was not for my wife I do not know how I would have made it. I have had a good year. No rejections from my new heart. I just had my yearly check-up and everything looked good. I got to come down to 5mg on my Predizone. That made me really happy. I have been sick a couple of times with a cold and the stomach flu. The stomach thing really kicked me down. I have been very blessed this year with not getting too sick. I have been fighting with my weight all year and it has won the battle. I got out of the hospital at 192lbs. I am now 270lbs. This is a new year and I am ahead. I have lost five pounds and I am on my way back to my healthy weight. I have set myself small goes to keep me on track this year. So the big question I have for everyone is what you guys think is appropriate to write to the donor family. My heart transplant team told me to wait a year and it is know time. I really want to write, but I don't know where to start. There is so much I want to say and tell them about the second chance I have at last. I don't want to overwhelm them or bring up that bad day for them. I really want to be in contact with them. I just want my first letter to be something that gives them hope and feels the hearts with the love that I have. I don't want it to be negative. Should I type or hand write. My hand writing is not that good from the shakes I have from the meds. I am truly thankful and have so much I want to share.
AF
Comments
Hi AFD,
Congrats on your anniversary, may you live on to celebrate many more in good health. As for writing your letter, I find using a word processor helps. That way you can cut and paste the major points, assembling the letter so that it reads smoothly. Most importantly read what you write three times, this will eliminate typos and fragmented sentences. The major points might include your gratitude, joyous return to your family, and blessings to them for their decision to give life at a mournful time. Your letter need not be an epic, when you speak from the heart, your message will be warmly understood. Stay Well!
AF, I can relate. My anniversary is on Valentine's Day! I have been wanting to write the letter for months. I understand your concerns....I too, feel that although we appreciate our second chance in life at the same time you want to feel sympathetic to the family. Some donors are living, where as some organs can come from only the non-existent. I want them to be able to sense my gratitude and joy, but I also want them to be joyful to know that a part of their loved one lives on. I will stay up with this post. I want to see what others think! Good Luck.
Happy Anniversary
You can type and then sign it. God Bless All Organ Donors and their Families
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! As far as what to write the donor family, much of that depends on you and what you feel comfortable with. I would suggest perhaps focusing on how the transplant has helped you in general and perhaps not go into too many details unless you hear back from the family. However, these are just suggestions. I wrote my donor family at about the same time after my surgery, and I have not heard back, but I try to be understanding of this. I would focus on how the transplant has changed you, what it has allowed you to do, etc. but without getting too personal. If they respond, perhaps you can then get more personal. Again, just a suggestion. I am sure if you write from the heart, it will be appreciated. Best of wishes and many hugs.
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