truly lasting gift
November is the month many of us gather with family and friends to give thanks for all that we have. In my family we get together because we are thankful we have the chance to be together, but we also remember our family that is no longer with us.
I have a lot to be thankful for: An amazing, supportive family, wonderful friends, but the thing I am most thankful for is my father, David “Tony” Flannery. My daddy gave our family 110 percent that I was blessed to see for 24 years. He passed away July 24, 2007, but even in his passing he was a giver. He said “yes” to being an organ and tissue donor and was able to impact the lives of over 50 individuals, but not only them their family and friends as well.
These unknown people in my life are in my thoughts daily. Through my dad’s selfless act of saying yes, I have met some of the most amazing and strong people. I am thankful to my dad for him saying yes. I was blessed with these people in my life; they have helped me in dealing with the hardest times in my life, work endlessly to bring awareness to our area.
I know the many volunteers in the state don’t think twice about the message we all share, it’s the same in all of the counties, to educate and share personal stories so people can understand what an impact donation has. It’s a way to cope with the loss, carry on the good, and hopefully at some point help the over 104,000 people waiting on their second chance. I would like to thank the people I work side by side in bringing this message to Scioto County. Pati Dyer, JoAnna Krohn, Tara Newton, Kim Hardesty and Christian Payne.
I know with the holidays coming up we all feel the bittersweet of the times but with the help of a loving family, whether bonded by blood or by some other connection we will make it through. I would also like to thank Earl Newton, who without I would never have gotten some closure that I desperately needed, and I truly believe without him, my father would have not been able to carry out his wishes of being a donor.
I am asking all the reader’s of the letter, if you have not said yes, to please get educated, come to one of our gift meetings to meet people given the second chance and the donor families. Get online and do your own research (www.lifelineofohio.org). Call 1 (800) 525-5667 to speak with one of the amazing employees of Lifeline, or keep an eye out for Pati, JoAnna, Tara, Kim, Christian, and myself in different events throughout the year.
To those of you already registered: thank you.
Take time this month reserved for giving thanks to discuss your wishes with your family and to remember those lost and the many people waiting for their second chance at life.
Laura Flannery
Wheelersburg
Post a Comment
