Update for "In Loving Memory"

ericnliz

First of all, a big thank you to all of you who have reached out in one way or another. Your thoughts have been very heartwarming, and welcome.
Liz was the love of my life, and literally the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have been surrounded by 4 of my 5 children, many good friends, and family during this difficult time. This week has been quite difficult in that the doctors had to keep Liz on life support so that her organs could be used, but also while they were in the process of not only testing to see which which organs could be used, but finding recipients for the organs as well. Yesterday her heart was given to a very lucky soul, and her kidneys were also received by a lucky person as well. At least two folks will start the New Year with a new lease & outlook on life. Makes me smile to know that these folks were given a very precious gift from a very precious lady. The news of this event was given to me last night when I was at dinner with my children at Liz's favorite restaurant, celebrating her life. I broke down in tears at the hearing of this news...not sad tears, but happy ones. New life had been given to folks that before had little to look forward to, and my precious wife could finally rest in peace.
God speed Liz, I love you,
Eric

ericnliz

By the way..almost forgot. The dinner was thought of by my children (now adults) without my knowledge. They simply asked me what Liz's favorite restaurant was, called an Uber taxi, and away we went. On the way, I told them it wouldn't quite be the same, as her favorite bartender (that we had known for 12 years) had taken another job elsewhere. Not so much the case...my children went in the door first, and much to my surprise, and delight, there stood, not only our bartender ( Daniel), but the owner of the restaurant as well. Made for a pretty perfect evening of remembrance, and celebration. Liz would have been happy, and I'm sure she was as she was looking down on us. 

ScottG

On principle, I refuse to use the newly added "Awesome" response to posts. This one is worth an exception, however.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful postscript to the life of a great lady.

ericnliz

A very appropriate use of the word to describe a lady who touched more lives in more ways than I can describe. Thanks @ScottG! 

Ratkity

I am the older sister of my precious 2nd to youngest sis who had a double lung transplant on Feb 11, 2017. My family and I have rejoiced as she was strong enough to come home to celebrate Mother's Day, her son's graduation and could even blow out her 50th birthday candle all by herself - No oxygen lines necessary!! Everyday, we think of the donor and watch the beautiful smile on my sis that we hadn't seen since she's been struggling to live with sick/failing lungs for years. Even my 87 yr old Dad said he hadn't seen that smile on my sis since her wedding 22 yrs ago!

Bonus: I didn't even have to peel the 10 lbs of potatoes for our famous mashed taters for Thanksgiving! She was doing everything. I got chased out of the kitchen! Her Fitbit step goal she meets everyday is 15,000 steps and hits that goal. Go sis!

Thank you Anonymous Donor and family,
Words can't express my gratitude.

Thank you Liz. There's a family like mine who is rejoicing and thinking of you daily.

Hugs to you and your kiddos friends and family around you, Eric. As you said... Family is so precious.

gooddogs74

I'm very sorry for your loss.  Sounds like great kids you raised. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Eric, I can’t imagine your heavy heart during this time or how you have found the spirit and strength to share this with all of us.  Good to know you have your kids and friends to lean on in the days ahead.  I am sure the recipients are rejoicing with the blessing of Liz’s gifts of life.  We share your burden of grief and send you and your family healing peace.

rkj__

After hearing of your loss, I've simply been at a loss for words.  Nothing I can think to type in this text box can make what you are going through easy.  

But, none the less, I wish that you may find comfort in all the good memories you two made together, and also continue to find positives in each day.

COcamper

Eric, In a forum full of wonderful advice, helpful tips & tricks, anecdotes, LOL's, been-there's and done-that's, there are simply no words to offer that will lessen your loss, and I'm so sorry. In lieu, please know your forum friends both near and far are thinking of you and your family, and sending thoughts of comfort and wishes to help shoulder your grief. Thoughts of peace to you, and for future smiles for the memories you shared ~

JerryandVicki

Dearest Eric,  We are so sorry for your great loss. It is a loss for all of us who knew Liz. Thank you so much for this loving tribute to her. Your post brings such tears!  It is nice to know about her donation to those two families.  And thank you to Ratkity

ericnliz

To all our T@B friends,
All I know at this point, from the condolences, prayers, friendship, & outreach is this.....I now KNOW there was a reason that little T@B spoke to us when we first saw it!!!!!!!!!!!
Many thanks to you all for your support.
Eric