New York Organ Donor Network
Home
About Us
Organ and Tissue Donation
Transplantation
Gift Of Life Stories
News and Events
Enroll in NYS Donor Registry
Information Center
Volunteer
Financial Contributions
Info By Audience Type
Donors and Their FamiliesDonors & Their Families Memory Quilt StoriesMemory Quilt Stories


Memory Quilt Stories
KAREN L. MUSTO
9-28-64 - 11-18-91
September 28, 1999
Written on Karen's Birthday

Dear Karen,

Thirty-five years ago today was one of the happiest days in the lives of Daddy and I; the day you were born. You came into this world fighting for life and at two and a half years old you almost left us again. God gave us twenty-five more wonderful years together, but on November 18, 1991, He called you home to be with Him. You were a little fighter and will be forever our "little hero."

Karen, I have so many memories of you. Memories filled with hope, joy and love. When you were little, every time you saw people in need, you would ask me for coins to put in their cup. Today, eight years after your death, friends are still giving to the poor in your memory.

Karen, you were so tiny. Everyone called you "Peanut," but your heart was so big and filled with so much love. The saying is true; "Good things really do come in small packages." This brings to mind one particular day during a visit to your grave. A young man approached me and asked if I was your mother. I was so proud to say "Yes." He then replied, "Karen was a beautiful girl, but she also had a beautiful heart. She was always thinking of the next person and what she could do for them."

Karen, one of the memories I hold most is your smile. The hope and joy your smile gave others was like medicine for the soul. You could always light up a room. You had an inner love for life and others. Your smile alone could weather any storm.

Karen, you gave in life and Daddy, Michael and I are so thankful that we carried out your wishes to also give in death. Four people were given the "Gift of Life" because of your "Gift of Love." These gifts enable them to celebrate transplant birthdays and help us to celebrate your life.

"Happy Birthday" my guardian angel
You will always be in my heart.


Love,
Mom
Back to Memory Quilt
<<PreviousNext>>

 
  | | Webmaster

Address: 132 West 31st Street , 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001 | Phone: 646.291.4444 | Fax: 646.291.4600
24-hour Referral Line/Public Information: 800-GIFT-4-NY


© 2008 New York Organ Donor Network, Inc.