GIFT OF LIFE GARDEN

GIFT OF LIFE GARDEN

I sat today in a garden

That is filled with many trees

It was a hot and steamy morning

With barely a gentle breeze.

Many other people had gathered

To pause, give thanks and reflect

To celebrate the gift of life

With dignity and great respect.

Families had gathered there

To quietly set time aside

There was warmth and friendship

And emotions they could not hide.

A donor family member spoke and shared

Her story of pain and grief;

A grateful recipient shared his story

Of gladness and great relief.

A rose was planted there today

For all the world to view

A tribute to those who cared and gave

This rose is named  "Thank You."

It is a sincere tribute to donors everywhere

Whose gift gives a second chance

For those who receive to live and love

To play and run and dance.

This garden's in a busy part of town

With a flight path overhead

Buses, people, trams and cars

All noisy as they swiftly sped.

It touched my heart to be there

And in spite of this world's troubles

Little children were quietly playing

And chasing pretty bubbles.

I thought of my donor

The man who gave me life,

I thought today of his family

I gave thanks for his special wife.

I remember him each and every day

And I quietly wiped a tear

Without this wonderful gift of life

I most certainly would not be here.

It's the perfect spot for this garden ~

A garden so beautifully placed

Gift of Life Garden it's name

A cherished and special place.

The noise and the hustle and bustle

Of the city's daily strife

Go on around this garden

And we celebrate the gift of LIFE.

© Linda J. Vaughan

19th. February 2012

I am constantly moved by the position of this Garden - it is right in the middle of life and that's what Organ and Tissue donation is all about.