5. 18 .09 Update
Today, at 2:05 pm, as myself and my family gathered, we were informed by the third team of doctors that Colin’s brain had completely ceased functioning.
It was a bittersweet day. Although I know in my heart, Colin is in the arms of God, I was not ready to give him up at the vigorous age of 21. However, in the true spirit of Colin’s generosity, there are many families celebrating Colin’s gift to them. His eyes will help someone see, his heart will help someone love, and the rest of his organs will help many others return to the life they once knew. I find a lot of comfort in that.
I have stayed at the hospital since the day Colin arrived, however tonight I came back to my sister Doreen’s house to be with my family who she has graciously housed and fed all week.
In the morning (or may be during the night) after all the recipients have been lined up, each team of doctors, for each recipient, will arrive at the hospital and the surgery to remove Colin’s organs will take place.
Those doctors then return to their patients to give them their new life.
As I left the hospital tonight, I could not stop kissing Colin, and telling him how proud I am of him. Not only for the way he lived his life with vigor in his amazing short life, but how very proud I am of him for being so courageous in this process even after his “death”.
I am eternally grateful and couldn’t possibly find the words to thank everyone for the comfort your words, thoughts and prayers have meant to me and my family during this past week of Colin’s journey into eternal life.
Our plan is to have Colin’s viewing on Friday, and the Funeral on Saturday. The boys and I have a lot to prepare before that….honestly…Colin would have had this all done by now!
His spirit, generosity and love will continue thru myself and his brothers every day of our lives.
From the bottom of my heart,
Connie
Dear Connie,
As a mom my heart is just breaking for you. As a sibling, my heart is breaking for your boys. As an aunt, my heart is breaking for Jay, Laurie, Didi, Norbert, Lisa, Marty and Frank. Your family is so amazingly strong. Please know that I am praying for everyone. How beautiful the lives that will be changed by Colin’s death. I will pray for those families too.
Love, Kathleen (Katie)
May 19, 2009 @ 2:30 am
My heart goes out to you in this time of need.
You folks sound strong, and your faith in god is strong. I admire what you have done, and your willingness to share your sons, brothers, and nephews life with those that could use the gift of his organs. I won’t go a day without remembering a good friend, co-worker and employee of mine who was killed at his job. He, just like your Collin was a upstanding person, loved everyone and would have given the shirt of his back for anyone. There isn’t many people in this world these days that will do that. I feel for your loss and wish things could have turned out better. He is now in a better place, with no pain, no suffering and eternal life.
RIP
Blue Skies
Kevin
May 19, 2009 @ 11:15 pm