One of Jamie's last acts of heroics while in his body was to give the gift of life.  His  heart valves and cornea's were donated to Life Sharing, a local agency that handles the donors and recipients, so that even a life that has ended too soon can live on.  We knew, even in the moments after hearing the worst news of our lives, that Jamie would have wanted it so.   What we didn't know was that Jamie would receive a bronze medal in a honoring ceremony.  We were invited to attend the ceremony on November 17, 2002.  The deputy U.S. surgeon General  Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H. spoke of the importance of organ donation to those who are awaiting this gift of life.  He honored the courage of the families whom, having to face the loss of a loved one, chose to unselfishly think of others.  He shared his personal story of losing his wife (10 years ago) and then his daughter (5 years later).  He also made the choice of love.  Each person who had donated in the past year was honored with a medal and the reading of their name.  A candle lighting* and dove release followed.  Like all these events that honor our beloved son, we wanted to be there but it is bittersweet.  We're proud of you Jamie, unselfish to the end.  We're sorry you had to give of yourself in this way, so soon before it should have been time.  We encourage each of you to look into your heart and see if you are willing to make the same gift when it is time.  Talk with your loved ones and find out his or her wishes in this matter.  Most of the time there is a way to elect this through the DMV.  May the decision await many years.  You can find out more about organ donation at www.organdonor.gov or http://www.lifesharing.org/

*  A Day Of Remembrance Candlelight Ceremony can be used anytime to remember someone you love.

We light these four candles             The First Candle represents our grief.                  The second candle represents our courage
In honor of our loved one               The pain of losing you is intense                           To comfort our sorrow,      
We light one for our grief,               It reminds us of the depth of our love for you       To comfort each other,
One for our courage,                                                                                                 To change our lives
One for our memories and
One for our love

The third candle we light in your memory                         This last candle we light for your love.
For the times we laughed,                                                As we share this day of remembrance
The times we cried,                                                         With our family and friends
the times we were angry with each other                          We thank you for the gift
The silly things you did                                                     Your living brought to each of us.
The caring and joy you gave us.                                       We love you
                                                                                       We remember you

The above medal's designer, Kathryn Kochanowski, described the inspiration and meaning of the design. The Gift of Life Donor touches and gives new life to others.  The donor touches the hand of the recipient, and passes on the precious gift of life (the heart) and love (the rose).  This magnificent and honorable giving of oneself is illustrated in the rays extending from the heart.