Rain-slicked mountain road--
The other driver lost control of his car.
Your child never had a chance,
Your beautiful child, your baby, your star.

I lay dying of a broken heart
Diseased muscles losing the fight
I was told I hadn’t much time to live,
That it was hopeless and it seemed they were right.

Gifted athlete, who loved to run
Legs pumping around the track,
Excellent student, full of joy
There’s nothing you wouldn’t give to have him back.

I lived in the midst of dying
Wanting more time, I had more to do
Not willing yet to lay down my cards
I wanted to live, never thought of you.

You were there in the hospital holding his hand,
And gave a permission so heart-wrenching to give
You made a most heroic choice
Letting him live on, letting others live.

Doctors and nurses began bustling about
Talks of a transplant, blood being drawn.
I’d never seriously thought it through
That for me to live, someone’s life would be gone.

He died in the midst of living
So young with so much he needed to do,
You had each other far too short a time
You’d barely begun, your son and you.

His heart with ancient urges burning
Now is beating in my chest
Pumping life throughout my body
Demanding of me to be my best.

I’m sure you prayed for it not to have happened,
Prayed and begged at the side of his bed,
You didn’t get your miracle,
But you both gave me mine instead.

A parent gives life to their child
Your son is parent
To my second chance.
I honor him with all my being
He lives on
And I gladly share in the dance.
How can I express
My joy in your gift?
What can I say
For your spirit to lift?
How can I thank you
But with tears of my own.
And renewed sense of purpose
Far beyond any I’ve ever known.
Tears of joy
But tears, too, of sorrow
But I promise you this—
He will have his tomorrow.
I’m living for two people now
Recycled life
Of the highest degree.
The legacy he left behind
Still beats for you as it beats for me.