After Jacob's death, Karen created this blog to record insights in her grief journey. I would periodically write my insights on notes posted to my Facebook page. We feel it would be best served if we combined our efforts so I am beginning the process of copying those notes to this blog. They won't be in chronological order but I will put the original date on each one.
As usual, the dogs woke me up this morning, ready to do ‘their thing’. Karen was sweet to say, “I’ll take them.” As I lay there in bed, I began to remember the occurrences of seven years ago. Seven years ago, Jacob received his first heart transplant and a second chance at life. Things I remember:
- Getting ‘the call’ around 4:00 telling us that a heart had been located and they were preparing Jacob for surgery
- How quickly a crowd of our family and friends gathered around us at Egleston’s waiting room
- Receiving updates throughout surgery, especially the one that told us, “the new heart is in and beating strongly”
- The cheer of the supportive crowd when we shared that news
- Dr. Kantor coming to us, taking us into a conference room, and telling us how he couldn’t believe how decimated the old heart was and that the new one came in the nick of time
- The joy of Jacob having a second chance but at the cost of another family’s sorrow
- Coming home to a police escort and a lined street of church friends cheering us home
- A prayer of thanksgiving from our pastor, Mike Woods,in our driveway
Now seven years later, grief and gratitude well up in my heart (and eyes). We will always grieve for Jacob, wishing he were here enjoying life in his unique and quirky way. He, more than any of us, knew how precious life was and so lived it zestfully.
And we will be grateful for family and friends that surrounded us then and support us now. Grateful for the time we did have with Jacob and now to embrace the time we have with those around us each moment of each day.
In a little while, we head off to North Carolina to spend some precious time with Katie, Ben, Beth, Tucker, and Libby Kate. Soon other family will arrive for a Christmas reunion. We will love on each other, share our love with those in other places, …. and we will remember who no longer is with us …. except in our hearts.
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