12.08.2008

The Good in Things

Tonight we got back from a weekend trip. Of course we had a pile of mail waiting for us. Over time the mail has gotten back to normal and hasn't been as traumatic as it had been at first after our accident. But this weekend left us with a few surprises.

First off, Middle Child got his blanket. While still at the funeral he had asked his Grandma to make him a quilt to help remember his big brother, Calvin. Grandma's specialty is quilts, especially for the grandchildren. Grandma and Sister Quilter both made a quilt for the boys. While Baby's quilt came Monday, Middle Child's took it's usual sweet, Spanish Fork, time to get here. Most mail takes several days longer to get to us than to the top of Kilimanjaro. But I detract, DO NOT under any circumstances let me get started on the USPS. (Altho I do love our current postperson. His name is Obi (like Obi Wan Kenobi) and he looks like Shaggy from the old Scooby Doo cartoons! And he loves our dog!) But Middle Child was so happy! He quickly opened the box and proceeded to wear the quilt on his shoulders for the next two hours.

Then we got a letter from the University of Utah Eye Center. I thought they were pedaling Lasik and almost didn't open the letter. But it was something completely different and unexpected and wonderful. While still at the Hospital that horrible October 15 we were confronted with whether to donate Calvin's organs for others. That was an easy decision for us to make. Calvin always loved helping others. So we donated and were prepared to never hear again whether he helped anyone or not. But this letter told us how two people who had previously been blind now have eyesight! I couldn't imagine anything better, except Calvin still being here. These were grown ups and I can't believe how happy they must be! I'm glad this happened in time for Christmas so they can finally see the magical season for the first time.

As horrible as the whole incident has been I am happy to find little things like this where good has come from Calvin, even still.

12 comments:

Jeni Allen said...

That is so wonderful. Totally made me tear up. I'm so glad.

Kristie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristie said...

Blogger Kristie said...

Donna,
I have never met you, but know her you are because Dean Bake is my husbands cousin. They stayed at our house during the week of your families tragedy.
This is a wonderful post. Your decision was very generous and definitely paid off for 2 lucky people. thanks for sharing your story and may you and your family enjoy this holiday season as much as those 2 lucky people.

Student Entrepreneur said...

Donna,
WOW! I can't even put into words how I feel!!! So many people were blessed to have known Calvin - are still being blessed by him! Thank you for coming up this weekend for Lexi's baptism! Sorry there wasn't much food in the house to eat!! I finally went shopping today. I feel like MAYBE I am starting to feel better - or at least more better then not:) I love you guys!

sally said...

That is just so neat. I am so glad that Calvin's love is reaching new people that we never thought would. What a wonderful Christmas present to have this year.

Unknown said...

I think that is just amazing. He must be so happy to be able to help. He use to tell me how he was going to help people (talked alot about being a PA) It is so good to know that he is able to.

KFerrara said...

Donna - Thanks for taking the time to share yet again another wonderful story about Calvin and how he has richly blessed another family member, friend and even a stranger or two.
Thanks

quilts and quirks said...

Calvin truly wanted to help every one he could. From helping you carry books to class at church when he was little to even now. I feel that was his mission on earth. How wonderful for those he has touched and is still touching and for us to see.

Krissie said...

Donna, I'm so proud of you for everything you do and how you overcome and go through challenges in your life. I'm so glad that even after Calvin has left us that he is able to help others and bring joys to their lives. I love you!

Lonita said...

It's wonderful to know that Calvin is still making a difference - what an amazing gift for those 2 people.

grapeape said...

what a neat thing to be a part of! got goosebumps reading 'bout it...

Nilsson News said...

donna. that is so cool! i have ALWAYS believed in being an organ donor! how freaking awesome!