Dana,
I have promised myself to write twice a year with the target dates of Dec 30 (anniversary) and June 30 (mid-year). I start drafting about 30 days ahead and the nature of my letters has changed. All involve gratitude, but the first two were more focused on me and the last three have been focused on how hard it must have been for the donor family to let their son go. Letter #3 was cued by watching a scene from a comedy show involving a transplant. Letter #4 was motivated by a song as was Letter #5. I do know a bit more about my donor than most. The original planned recipient backed out from fear. I was called, after only three days on the list, and told that if I did not take the heart it would go to waste. My answer was going to be a firm yes, but the caller said she was authorized to share some additional information to help motivate my decision. So, I was told the donor was a young man in his early 20s and he was already at Mayo. My only request from the donor family is to know my donor's first name and desires because from December 30, 2019, he and I go together as one. And I never want to forget his sacrifice so I will remember his name and together will complete some of his desires.