I was 33 years old, and I needed a heart transplant. It was very likely that I would die without aggressive medical intervention, and I was having visions of my wonderful husband as a widower with two small children. My family’s pain ran deep; however, their love and support flowed deeper.
My fear was not for me, but my family. Death did not scare me. I knew that I would be going home, regardless of the outcome. I had a relationship with God, but I allowed that relationship to have limits when I worried about how my family would be without me.
Who would take my children to their first day of Kindergarten? Would my husband go alone on “Parent’s Day?” Would they remember the depths of my love for them? Did I instill God’s love in them?
These were just a few of the tearful thoughts that crossed my mind when faced with heart failure. I could list a million more. Now I can list a trillion reasons to give thanks.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14: 27
I also give thanks for the peace that was in my heart and mind during the process of being listed for a heart transplant. I felt the peace like a blanket, and it never left me cold with fear and doubt. Even when I was transported from my hospital room to the operating room on January 2, 2009 at 1:00 a.m., I felt peace. This was something that I could not give to anyone else. It was given to me as a gift, a precious gift.
Someone had to die for me to live. I am ashamed to say that this was not first and foremost in my mind prior to my heart transplant. My grief for the family of my donor was quite powerful when I lie in my hospital bed after the surgery and felt my healthy heart beating like never before.
What courage it took to say goodbye to a precious loved one, and offer the gift of life to others. The thought still overwhelms me. This gift is quite obviously one that I could never repay with thanks. I think that I must also repay with action. It is my responsibility to glorify my Lord and honor my beloved donor and family. I do not know who they are, but I hope to meet them one day. If that day never comes during my time on earth, I will still give thanks until my last breath. Thanks to them, that should be a long, long time.
Think about your last 24 hours. Can you think of at least one thing to give thanks for? If you are coming up short, please give thanks for those selfless families and donors that save lives every day for people like me. People more worthy than me. Our blessings are endless. I now know that we don’t need a life-altering experience to recognize them.
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116:5-9
Author: Jamie Outlaw Napolitano
The above devotional was written after my successful heart transplant in 2009. I was diagnosed with heart disease at 3 months of age, and my prognosis was very poor. God walked with me through my childhood, teenage years, and he carried me when my health finally deteriorated at the age of 33 years. His amazing plan for me continues to unfold, after all, I did meet my husband on an airplane, survived in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, my children were born with my sister as a surrogate (due to my heart’s inability to withstand pregnancy), and now I am raising my beautiful twins! My relationship with the Lord has provided me with the strength, guidance, peace, and perseverance that I need to be the Mommy, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Granddaughter, and Friend that He knew I could be.
You are such an inspiration to others. The Lord knew what he was doing with your life and you were put here to bless people like myself and others. You are his hands and feet!!
Great word Jamie! I’m honored to know you and your story. Thanks be to God!