Eric 5.22.1992 - 10.2.2018

Every day is hard, some days are just a bit harder than others.  

10.2.2018 - 7 years today since Eric’s life faded away, yet, 5 others were given the gift of life as organ recipients. Truly the best decision I have ever made, or ever will.

God doesn't always prepare us for the hardest things in life. When we feel we can't take any more and are falling apart, a text or a phone call shows up, or one of a zillion other things.

Today, for me, it is about loss and honoring Eric. As with the past several years, Jeff and I have an absolutely beautiful fall day for a hike. One of Eric’s favorite things to do.

If I find a heart along the way today, I know who left it.

As for loss, many times they are unplanned and we are unprepared and have to exhaust all our strength to not be stopped dead in our tracks.

I have been extremely fortunate to have everlasting relationships with the 4 organ recipients I know.

Each of them was tethered to a hospital until the right organ, and of course, the most important piece, the match, was perfect 💜

I can't imagine living a life like that, and yet, they all did, until with Eric’s loss, when they found their way back to their homes, families, and a bit more of a normal life.

Eric’s liver recipient, Greg, and his wife went on to have a sweet baby boy, adding to the girls they already have in their family.

Eric’s kidney recipient, Amber, has gone on and gotten engaged. A super special day, 10.2.2021, and I was blessed to be present capturing the moment as Clayton planned it that way💜

Eric’s lung recipient, Dustin, and his wife Candi have filled up their life with fishing, family gatherings, and spending time with their pups and friends.

Eric’s heart recipient, Larry, has spent a lot of his time with his 6 children, being able to provide dad love, support, and guidance.  He has told me, Eric’s heart, which the heart carries emotion, has made him a kinder and gentler man💜

None of their journeys has been straightforward without complications, and yet, they are truly the most gracious people, with family as a core value. I am honored to have them in my life - from strangers who would never have met,  to a family unit who enrich each other’s lives for eternity.

As I stated at the beginning of this note, God doesn't always prepare us for all the hard and unexpected experiences in life, but I fully believe and trust that, with His love and guidance, we will have what we need.

I received a message from Candi, Dustin’s wife 2 days ago, asking me to call her. I knew Dustin needed a kidney. I had told her if the time was getting close and Dustin didn't have a match, to let me know and I would be willing to test. We laughed about what a story that could be.

God had other plans for Dustin. Candi’s call was to let me know Dustin had died a few hours earlier, in an automobile accident.

I was beyond devastated for Dustin, Candi, and their family, and our little family we created through Eric’s organs.

I am so honored that Dustin just had a couple of days short of 7 years breathing with perfect lungs. I ask all of you to please pray for Dustin’s family.

As I honor Eric today with things he loved to do - hike, eat hamburgers, and Bruster’s Ice Cream, I have a heavy heart for Heaven gaining another angel.

Ultimately, I gently remind you to live every day to the fullest. Treasure those we love, those who are there for us, and always ask God for His guidance.

Since losing Eric, I know there are thousands of people who have helped me to be where I am in my life today.

Each one of you is priceless… always remember that.

Now Jeff and I are off for that hike💜

In gratitude.

Much Love, 
Kathy

PS - Just Me- no AI 💜

#mullensmiracles
#organdonation
#love
#family