In the midst of another holiday season, 20ll, I received a very special thank-you note.

As a nurse, I have received many thank-you notes through the years from patients and families,
but this particular note was different.
You see, this one was from Transplant Services, and thanked me for my support of a donor family.

The grieving family made it known that the patient would have wanted to donate his organs or tissues upon his death,
so that even in death his life might benefit someone else.
Under the circumstances it was possible to donate both bone and corneas;
thereby, helping many recipients (up to 50!), and his corneas brought sight to two people.
These are gifts like no other.

As you celebrate the holidays with family and friends,
take time to remember all the things for which you are thankful and cherish the life you have been given.

Though we do not like to think of our own mortality,
I encourage you to make your wishes known to those you love, about organ donation.

It is truly "the greatest gift"...