Roy's Poem:
Even as a toddler, Roy was full of life, running and playing, without any strife.
Energy all day, he lived without care, from where did it come, maybe that red hair?
He took a liking to ball, to run around bases, he put a big smile, on everyone’s faces.
A swing and a hit, that ball was long gone, and his love for that game, his love carried on.
He ran into trouble, that car on his chest, God saved him that time, it wasn’t time to rest.
Latter in life, it happened again, it was only a leg, and this time by a friend.
He got even older, and a new love was found, a love for the ladies, then Ashley was around.
April was next, he found his new love, when that one was over, he found his ‘Turtle Dove’.
“It’s time to grow up now, get you a job”, “A job is for sissies, its fishing I love”.
With pole in hand, he headed to the lake, proud of his catch, a picture he’d take.
He would call late at night, when he ran out of beer, “Mom, can I get 20”, he’d ask without fear.
Mom would say no, she did it with care. If Roy did not say “Love you momma”, it would be rare.
He lived without care, and marched to his own beat, he needed to live, live life on his feet.
His time would come quick, “God, he was just born”. Saved at 16, he is now in God’s arms.
Roy will be missed, by all that he knew, but some day we will see him, this you hold true.
You see, God needed a soldier, to help lead the great fight.
He will raise up his sword, and he will show us his light.
Michael's Letter:
Friday, November 26, 2010
Michele and I married as teenagers just out of high school. Last year we celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary. I gave her a ring, something a little out of character for me. Even though the doctors had not “officially” told me that my days were numbered, I already knew. So, she got her present a year early just in case I was not here for her.
This past October, we celebrated our 40th anniversary. Of course, I was not able to do this on my own. After receiving your poem earlier this week, I now know the name of the young man that saved my life. It is Roy. I am sorry that I will never meet him face-to-face, but some day our paths will cross again and I will have the chance. I want his family to know that Roy and I have a relationship that not many will ever get to experience and I think of him often.
I am humbled and grateful that you made, I am sure, an extremely difficult decision. Because of the choice that you made I will never forget what you have done for me and my family. I was very happy and thankful to receive a communication from Roy’s family and I wish you all comfort and peace.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mike Nall
Michele's Letter:
November 25, 2010 – THANKSGIVING DAY
We were so thankful to receive your poem about Roy, it was beautiful. We now imagine your red-headed boy heading off to the water to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of fishing. The vision brings a smile to our face and a tear to our eye. No one can predict how their lives will twist and turn and how, through fate, we are now connected forever. We were very moved that you shared some personal insights and moments with us.
How do you put in to words your gratitude to someone that has given your loved one a second chance to live? My husband, Michael had been ill with congestive heart failure for the past 25 years. Last year, the week before Thanksgiving we were told that he had less than a year to live. In mid-February, he was hospitalized and was told he would stay confined to bed and attached to the equipment that would be doing the work for him that his heart could no longer manage.
Our family and friends prayed as they have throughout these years. It is difficult to pray for a new heart that would allow your loved one another chance, since the reality is that someone else’s family must suffer the loss of their loved one for this to happen. We are most grateful for your caring and kind act.
This second chance of life is not my husband’s alone. Our two daughters and our four grandchildren have also been given a great gift – they are getting to see their dad and papa strong and ready to take on the world. Michael had his first of six heart attacks when the girls were in 1st and 4th grade. For them, childhood memories included many hospital ER’s and ICU’s. Our grandchildren have known nothing except a weak grandpa, one that we planned our daily activities around papa’s “nap” times. But now, things around our home are slowly changing. Last month a camping trip was planned – just mimi and papa and three of the grandkids, ages 7, 6, and 4. All by ourselves! This could have never happened before. We are very fortunate to be making many new memories that once seemed unlikely.
I write this letter to you on Thanksgiving Day and more than ever before, everything that it symbolizes and stands for is multiplied for our family today. On this day, as we gather with family and friends, we will bow our heads to give thanks and we will remember Roy and his family today and always.
Prayers and blessings to you.
Sincerely,
Michele Nall
