Monday, October 25, 2010

The most fun I've ever had in a roomful of Lawyers...

Sometimes it's difficult to find the right words -- or words that seem adequate to express the myriad of emotions that this experience made me feel. Two months later, I have no better words, so here goes...



As some of you know, a year ago last August my niece Avery (then five years old) received a heart transplant. More than one year later, she is a happy, energetic six-year old, and regular biopsies report zero percent rejection of her new heart. Avery was critically ill for a long time before her transplant, so our family had a lot of time to think seriously about what it would mean for Avery to get a new heart -- not just for us, but for the donor family, whomever they might be.

In August of this year, while vacationing together on Martha's Vineyard, our family was able to personally thank the family of the little boy whose heart now beats in Avery. More than just an opportunity to thank them for making the decision that saved Avery's life (and the lives of several others), it was a chance for us to learn about and celebrate the life of their oldest son, Dalton Lawyer.

Spending time with his parents and three younger brothers was at once, poignant, comfortable, and quite simply, fun. I don't have many opportunities to be around "little boy" energy, which is much different and laid back than the "little girl" energy to which I am accustomed...

From the arcade: you need MORE quarters????
To the beach: closed for E-Coli????
To shopping: where are your shoes???? and, Was that Obama???
To Texas hold 'em: so you're a 6-year old card shark???
To arts & crafts: peace, love & Beadniks!!
To words of wisdom: "I just don't get her sometimes!" (and alas, you never will, Austin!)
...I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all.

Thank you Jim, Jeri, Ty, Miles & Austin. I think of you all, and of Dalton, whom I've never met, and yet feel like I knew, more often than you might imagine.

6 comments:

fran pascazio said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
fran pascazio said...

Kerri,
I can even imagine! What a great family...what a memorable time. Avery is a special little girl and the Lawyers are extraordinary...
bless everyone..

Createology said...

There are no adequate words to express all that your family has been through and now to meet the donor family must be sheer joy with a shadow of sadness. Avery is just as adorable as ever! Thank you for sharing this miracle Kerri.

Peggy Beck said...

Kerri I can only imagine the emotions running amuck but mostly happy and vibrant like Avery. I know your family waited a long time for this to happen and what a blessing it is.

ArtPropelled said...

Avery's story always makes me very emotional. I can only imagine how you and the Lawyers must all have felt meeting up. My heart is brimming.

julie king said...

i'm so glad avery is still doing so well. it is hard to believe it has been a year!!