WHEN WILL I START TO DIE?

Many years ago, a lady worked as a transfusion volunteer at Stanford Hospital. She became aquatinted with a little girl named Liza who was suffering from a rare disease and needed a blood transfusion.  She had a five-year-old brother who was a perfect candidate for the procedure, for he had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the life threatening illness. 

The doctor explained the situation to her  parents and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. The boy hesitated only for a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liza."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled. Everyone was happy to see the color returning to the little girls cheeks, but his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor with a concerned look upon his face and he asked, "When will I start to die?"  Surprised by the little boys response, the doctor replied with tenderness. "You're not going to die and neither is your sister!  You are both going to live, because you were courageous enough to share your valuable life with her."  

Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor.  He thought he was going to have to give her all his blood in order for his sister to regain her health. He was willing to give up his life so she could continue on with hers.  Fortunately that was not necessary, but in his innocent heart he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I have thought of this story many times and I too, have a personal connection to this level of sacrifice.  

My mother was in the second trimester of a very difficult pregnancy. The doctor informed her that in order to save her own life, it was imperative to abort the life of her unborn child.  My mother looked squarely into the doctor's face and said, "Over my dead body, I would never allow anything to harm this baby!" 

Through the stressful months ahead, she remained completely devoted to the life and well being of her baby.  As complications worsened, the doctor determined that she would not live through the delivery and again, advised her to terminate the pregnancy.  My mother refused and continued on, putting her child's life above her own. I often wondered if there were nights when she lay awake wondering, "When will I start to die." 

This was the risk she was willing to take to give life to her unborn child! Although she continued to threaten miscarriage, she did not waver.  After nine long months my mother delivered a healthy baby girl... and that child was me! I am humbled in knowing that my mother was willing to sacrifice her own life to protect mine. After all...  that is the ultimate gift.  Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day