18th Annual Donor Family Gathering - "Stars of Life"

"One Small Star" by Eric Bogle

When I need to feel you near me
I stand in this quiet place
Where the silver light of countless stars
Falling on my face
Though they all shone so brightly
Somehow it comforts me to know
That some that burns the brightest
Died an eternity ago.

But your light still shines
It's one small start to guide me
And it helps me to hold back the dark
Your light's still shining in my heart.

I'm learning how to live without you
And I never thought I could
And even how to smile again
I never that I would
And I cherish your heart's memories
Cause they bring you back to life
Some caress me gently
And some cut me like a knife.

Can your soul be out there some where
Beyond the infinity of time
I guess you've found some answers now
I'll have to wait for mine
When my light joins with yours one day
We'll shine through time and space
And one day fall on a distant age
Upon some stranger's face.

But your light still shines
It's one small star to guide me
And it helps me to hold back the dark
Your light's still shining in my heart
Your light's still shining in my heart.

Sherry & Johnny standing beside Chad's quilt square.

Sherry and me proudly showing off Chad's quilt square.

Each year donor families create a quilt square/piece in memory of their late family member.
Above is a picture of last year's quilt unveiling and dedication.
Below is a picture of this year's quilt pieces.

Light a Candle - Representatives of a Donor Family, Medical/Transplant Staff, and Recipients.

Lighting of Candles in thanksgiving and honor for the "Gift of Life"

Sherry & Johnny - it was a good day remembering Chad!

Spring has Sprung at the Ezersky Household

Donor Family Gathering

This morning I received a voice mail from my dear friend Sherry inviting me to attend the 2009 Donor Family Gathering this Sunday as a guest of her late son, Chad Frazier. I attended this event a couple of years ago with Sherry and it was beautiful, moving and life changing - I became a registered organ donor!

You might be wondering what is a Donor Family Gathering:
"The Donor Family Gathering is an opportunity for families to celebrate their loved one's life as well as to see firsthand how organ and tissue donation truly makes a difference to so many. Each spring the Washington Regional Transplant Community (WRTC) dedicates a day to honor and remember those individuals who have given or desired to give the ultimate gift… The Gift of Life. The Gathering of donor families, recipients and transplant professionals has grown over the years to more than 600 people in attendance. The nondenominational service includes music, a message from a donor family and words of thanksgiving from both tissue and organ recipients. Highlights of the service are a pictorial tribute to our donors as well as a candle lighting memorial and quilt dedication. Immediately following the service a reception is held, giving recipients an opportunity to personally thank donor families for their unselfish gifts and allowing donor families to meet other donor families in mutual support. During the Gathering, families also have an opportunity to pin a square to be included on a future quilt. All donor families are invited to create a square as a memorial to their loved one. The quilts are shown throughout our service area and are a very personal and visual way to educate our community about the importance of organ and tissue donation."

Chad's square is included in Quilt #10.

If you would like to sign up to be an organ donor and give the ultimate gift… The Gift of Life please see the below link:
http://www.beadonor.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=886&Itemid=171

I am so honored that Sherry has asked me to go again this year! I would not miss it for the world! Stay tuned for pictures of Sunday.

New Blog Design

The orange and blue layout was getting pretty boring so I decided to update the look of our blog. I mean come on, does everything have to be blue and orange. If it was up to Corey the answer would be yes. But since I blog for this family the layout is being changed - love ya babe!!! Plus the blue in the new layout goes perfectly with Cooper's eyes!!!!

See my toofers!!!

Daddy & Gramp's lil baseball player

Cooper's 1st Easter - Smith Family Pictures

Happy Easter from Cooper!