Ree Erickson

As we often experience in our daily lives, life is very fragile and valuable.  This week in honor of National Pediatric Organ Transplant Week, I’d like to share my son’s story of donating life with you, hoping to inspire a desire to donate life in you.  It is an incredible gift! 

About eighteen years ago, my husband and I were faced with a decision to donate life.  Our almost 4-year-old son had navigated a year-long battle with neuroblastoma, a form of pediatric cancer, and he was coming to the end of his ability to fight the disease.  We were in our local hospital that morning for a blood infusion, when suddenly our son passed into eternity.  It was the most vulnerable time in my life without a doubt.  It was such a shock even though we knew it was coming, a parent’s most unthinkable nightmare. 

A lady entered Silas’ hospital room and asked if she could talk to me.  She indicated that she was wondering if my husband and I would be interested in donating my son’s corneas to other people who would use them to see again.  At that time, I did not know that anything could be used from his little body.  The cancer had taken its’ toll and affected so much of his precious body.  She indicated that the blood flow to the eyes was different and that his corneas would be valuable to helping someone regain their sight. 

In that moment, I thought back to a picture my brother took of Silas, his bright blue eyes were so clear in that picture, windows to his sweet soul. Those eyes had been busy seeing things for 3 -1/2 years from lots of books and puppies to water towers and beloved family members like grampys and grammys.  His kind heart was evident in them, and we could see his emotions and communicate things through those eyes that no one else would understand.  They were beautiful and his!

 It was a difficult decision, everything in me wanted to hang on to every part of that little boy and yet it was the right thing to do.   Silas would not use those eyes again this side of heaven, and apparently God had a plan to use them for someone else!  In that moment we made the decision to share those beautiful blue eyes with someone else. 

We received a certificate a few weeks after Silas’ death acknowledging his final gift to someone he would never know.  That’s the thing about donating life, it will not affect the giver but will greatly impact the person receiving.  At times we have thought about reaching out to find out the people who received those eyes, but we have never pursued it.  It has been enough to know that a little boy, who had a terrible disease, was able to give life to someone else.  “Take that cancer, you did not get his eyes!” 

As my mind has wandered back to those eyes, providing light, enriched life, and sight for two people somewhere in our world, it brings me great joy!  I’m pretty sure they can’t help but look at books and puppies, water towers and beloved family members as well.  If they are looking at those things, then those eyes are being used well! 

Maybe you would be willing to provide life, or sight to someone you will never meet.  You have that option by donating life!  DonateLife.net