May 5, 2010

What a happy Cinco De Mayo! Garrett had yet another good day today. He felt good all day and his heart rate dropped into the 130's today and stayed there. He's been a little more tired today, but I think it's because we had a pretty big day yesterday. He was pretty exited when I spoke to him tonight. He got a very special visit and couldn't wait to tell me who came to see him.

Two years ago, Garrett got his 3rd heart during his second transplant surgery. His heart came from Darren Collins, and Darren's family has become as our own. He has developed an especially wonderful relationship with Darren's younger brother, Warren. Well, they were on their way to Cheyenne to visit Warren's older sister and dropped in on Garrett. The boys played catch in the yard and generally caught up. Garrett truly loves his "brother from another mother", and Warren shares that feeling.

Through the tragedy of losing Darren, Warren gained Garrett and Garrett gained Warren and all the girls! I've spoken often of God's tremendous love for us and never wanting us to be in pain. I honestly believe that in His infinite wisdom and perfect plan, our Creator does not allow something terrible to happen unless some good will come from it somewhere. Many times we will never understand or know what that good could be. But in this case, He has revealed to us at least some of the mystery in this miracle of life. The relationship we have developed with Darren's family has blessed us more than mere words can describe fully.

Many folks have seen the video about Garrett on youtube. That video was made by the American Heart Association at their request, to use Garrett's story to help raise awareness for heart disease research and promote organ donation. When that video was shown, at the "Heart Ball 2010" in February of this year before Garrett got sick again, Darren's family were special guests of the event and put an exclamation point on one of the rarely seen benefits of such a tremendous and selfless gift.

We met Darren's family almost as a fluke. It is unheard of for a donor family and a recipient family to be in the same hospital at the same time. Even more rare, would be the chance meeting in the same waiting room. They were there, praying for their Darren. We were there, praying for our Garrett. In His beautiful plan, he dampened the blow to all by bringing the two families together during a time of need and we have become very, very close. Last summer we gave them a horse to replace the one Warren had to leave behind when they moved from Cheyenne to the western slope. We share the same interests, love of the outdoors, love of family and our love of God Almighty. While Garrett can never replace Darren, I know it has brought them comfort getting to know and bring Garrett into their fold. They have given us a noble and unselfish gift by sharing Darren with us and giving Garrett another chance to grow up.

Kathy and Darren's mom are two kindred spirits who love, laugh and cry at times, together. When Garrett got sick this time, she was the first one to arrive at the hospital to be by Kathy's side during those first uncertain days. It was a 5 hour drive for her, and she was there before 24 hours had passed. While only God above knows the full meaning behind this journey, I'm so grateful for His willingness to share them with us in such a beautiful way. I know of no other donor/recipient family connection quite this special.

We share two children, literally, and we love Darren just as they love Garrett. I carry a photo of both boys in my wallet and have asked my dad to take Darren hunting in paradise. Only God could write a story this compelling. Regardless of what the future may hold, this chapter of the journey has given me a little glimpse of His stunning plan for us. Garrett and Jessi have new "brothers and sisters" to play with and to love as part of them.

It's springtime here on the front range. Even in the midst of our current struggle, we have been blessed with the beauty of new life as it saturates the senses with everything from litters of barn kittens to new wild flowers and baby calves sharing the same pasture. The robins have returned and are vocally claiming their territory as they prepare their nests for the baby birds we'll soon hear outside our windows during the day, and we'll soon go to sleep listening to coyote pups learning to sing. And the crescendo of today's songs echo with the sounds two boys make while playing together. Two boys brought together through tragedy, but focusing now only on their new brother and the joy they share. Good medicine.

Have a great tomorrow and enjoy this season that I'm sure was designed perfectly to celebrate life. After all, Easter signals the start of spring and there is no more important celebration of life.

JD