OMFG - This is just too hilarious. Social media for poopers. When I first read this I was searching for the punchline but I guess in this day and age I shouldn’t be surprised by anything….read on . .
iPoo - bored while you poo?
WHAT IS IPOO?
Always find yourself with nothing to do while you’re sitting [...]
My daughter was six months old when she died from meningitis. She had been in the hospital for a couple days when the Doctor wanted to have a meeting with me and her father. We walked into a conference room and there were about 10 people already in their waiting. I still remember how I felt at that moment, my heart started racing, I felt nauseous - I knew this wasn’t going to be good. I sat down and looked at the faces around me and waited for the bad news. One of the Doctors (there were three) told me that Ginny was brain dead, the pain is instant and intense. Almost immediately I find out who the other people in the room are. One of the ladies introduces herself and says she is from Lifenet. They ask me if I would like to donate Ginnys’ organs. I didn’t even look at my husband I immediately said yes. What went through my mind in those few seconds? Well, first I though this would be a great way to keep Ginny “alive” and second, I thought if I could keep someone else from having to experience the pain of losing a child I would do whatever I could. I didn’t realize how this decision would ultimately help ease the grief I was sinking into.
When you lose a child the pain is unbearable x a million. I sunk into a deep depression and spent a lot of time secluded, I couldn’t stand to be around people. My husband and I split up. I barely made it through each day. One day I received a letter from Lifenet telling me that they were able to donate Ginny’s heart to a little 9 month old girl who would have died without it. The letter was so beautiful I read it a million times and cried until I had no more tears left. About 9 months after Ginny died I received an invitation from the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters, where Ginny had died. They were building a butterfly garden (the butterfly symbolizes new life from old) to honor families of kids who were organ donors. I really didn’t know what to expect when I showed up that day. I had felt so alone in my grief. Sadly, there were quite a few people at the dedication ceremony - mostly parents of kids who had died. A local artist had made some beautiful butterfly sculptures, one with each child’s name engraved. While these were unveiled a huge box a butterflies was released. It was heartachingly poignant and extremely beautiful - I felt some of the grief fly away that day.
I often think of that little girl, running, laughing and playing because of the gift Ginny was able to pass on and I smile through my tears.
I am an ex-Government, Management Analyst and a Stay-at-home mom of three. I grew up in the most sarcastic family ever - this blog is stories from my life told sarcastically. » Read More
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May 25, 2009 | Reply
I can’t even imagine the grief you’ve endured and now share with us, thank you. I believe your daughter lives on through you and her Dad and you were so fortunate to have her in your life for even a day.
May 26, 2009 | Reply
I am so deeply sorry for the tragic loss of your precious girl…this beautiful wall is a stunning tribute to the generosity of parents asked to make this unfathomable decision.
abundant blessings,
Amy
May 26, 2009 | Reply
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My heart aches for what you went through.
The butterfly garden is such a beautiful gesture.
May 27, 2009 | Reply
So sorry for your loss. While I can’t begin to imagine the sense of your loss I believe I would react in the same manner. I have a friend who delivered a stillborn and the hospital did something special for her as well.
The butterfly sculptures are beautiful. What an amazing way to honor those who gave.
May 27, 2009 | Reply
I can’t even imagine. {{hugs}}
May 28, 2009 | Reply
I have tears in my eyes as I read your post and now write this note.
I am so sorry for your loss - I can’t even begin to imagine what you must have had to endure … The butterfly garden is a beautiful gesture.
It must have been overwhelming for you to know that Ginny’s heart provided life to another little child. You’ve done something wonderful for another set of parents out there and their blessings will be with you always.
May 28, 2009 | Reply
I can only imagine your grief. I had two chronically ill children - both diagnosed with asthma when they turned 3 years old - and living with the trials and terror that asthma attacks bring was bad enough. I do know that the times we almost lost our daughter to asthma I was terrified I would never recover if she died. Bless you for sharing your story. The butterfly garden is a beautiful tribute.
May 28, 2009 | Reply
Wow, sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing it with us though. Your strength helps me add a little strength to my life.
May 29, 2009 | Reply
Such a personal post about such a heart wrenching experience as a Mom. So sorry for your loss of a child and a marriage. I’ve heard of a lot of parents breaking up over the loss of a child. So beautiful to release butterflies in memory of a child and a plaque to pay tribute to your little girl. I am glad such a negative experience was able to become a positive experience.
May 30, 2009 | Reply
My heart breaks for you, thank you for sharing your loss and memories. A beautiful picture was painted by your description of the butterfly day. I admire your courage of allowing your daughter to live on.
May 30, 2009 | Reply
This was so hard to read, but so important for those of us who take too many blessings for granted. You are so brave to show us how you can endure such heartbreak and find some peace.
Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
I admire you so much for your courage, first in going through what heartbreak you went through in losing Ginny, second, for having the strength to donate her organs so that other little ones would have a chance at life, and third and most importantly, for sharing your story here with all of us, and exposing that pain once again.
Your writing is inspiring and captivating.
I truly thank you for opening up and sharing that with us. I will remember Ginny every time I see a butterfly now!
Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
Oh my gosh I am so sorry you lost your daughter. Your gift was the most selfless and wonderful thing you could have done. I am sure that little girl’s parents are thanking you and Ginny every day for the gift you gave.
Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
My son was in a near fatal accident when he was 9 years old, and during the time when we didn’t know if he would make it or not it was the first time that I felt that I could come close to understanding what it must be like for parents who have to deal with the death of their children. You made a very brave decision at a very difficult time, it’s amazing that you can smile through the tears.
Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
There is nothing worse than the helpless feeling you get when your kids are not well and there is nothing you can do. I’m so glad your son is ok.
Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
I have no idea what that must have been like, though I do know what it’s like to be best friends with someone who lost a child (mybest friend’s 17-year-old son died last fall. It’s heartbreaking, to say the least. My heart goes out to you…
Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
I can’t imagine how horrible that must have been and I am so sorry for your loss. What an incredible gift you gave that other family though.
Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
I’m so sorry for you loss. My daughter died at birth due to neural tube defects (pregnant women out there make sure you get your folic acid requirements early on) I wanted to donate her organs but they were too messed up due to the birth defects. My then husband and I found out she was going to die about a week before she was born. She actually died the night before she was born but I was the only one who knew it since they stopped monitoring her vitals. I isolated myself as well. Friends and family just didn’t know what to say and I hated to make them uncomfortable by being around them. My husband and I split up after our son was conceived five weeks later. I’m so glad you were able to donate your daughter’s organs and saved a life. I’m also glad you were part of the butterfly project. I wish there had been something like that back when my daughter died. Thank you for sharing this story.
Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
So sorry for your loss. What a great and courageous thing you did by donating her organs. It must be of some comfort that they helped another child.
Jun 3, 2009 | Reply
Sometimes words fail me… beautiful, really.
Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. Thank you for sharing.
Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
There is nothing like losing a child. Thanks for being able to share with us.
Jun 6, 2009 | Reply
what a wonderful memorial…I’m sure I can never understand what you’re going through…nonetheless I want you to know your story is inspirational. In my country, organ donation is not a very popular choice but I am definitely signing the “donate my organs”section in my drivers license. Wishing you the best, and keep on smiling through the tears.
Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
i’m sure Ginny is now in a place where there is no pain or suffering. i hope she gets to play with my niece Anne =]
thank you for sharing this blessing of a story =]
Jun 28, 2009 | Reply
What a beautiful way to commemorate the life of such a precious child.
You are a very strong person.
Jul 10, 2009 | Reply
I just read this and I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I knew you were a kind giving person, but this act of love is over the top wonderful. I’m sending heart felt hugs your way, and just want you to know, I think your a wonderful person.
Jul 11, 2009 | Reply
I can’t thank you guys enough for all of your sweet comments.
Sheila