Donate Life Walk

Yesterday the kids and I walked the 2 miles in honor of Patrick and his donor.

We walked it last year with Patrick.  Even though it took us almost an hour and half to walk the 2 miles, Patrick finished it.  He was so proud of himself.  After he got his transplant he talked about this years walk.  It was the first big thing he planned on doing after his transplant. 

Even though he didn't get to do it, the kids and I decided this is one way we plan on honoring him, and his donor, every year.

It was hard.  Seeing people that new and loved Patrick.  Asking how the kids and I are doing.  I always answer we're OK, but are we really?  Sometimes I don't think we are.

I was able to share Patrick's story with many people.  We had a picture of the kids and Patrick from last year's walk that we carried with us. 

People stopped to ask about the photo, so we were able to share his story.  We met one guy that was only sick for 4 years before his heart transplant.  He told us that he couldn't imagine living his entire life with a sick heart.  He was even more amazed when he found out that Patrick played baseball and hockey, plus marching band.

They also had an area where you could write a message to your loved on on a butterfly and then plant it in the garden of butterflies.  The kids and I each did one, but there was a total of 9 butterflies for Patrick.  Seeing how much he impacted these people, who deal with organ donation on a daily basis, amazed me.  Its just another reminder about what kind of person Patrick was, and also adds fuel to my wanting to continue honoring him and sharing his story.