On November 8, 2013, our 28 year old son came home for a visit and to play in an alumni basketball game. He had complained a bit that Friday night of weakness in his right arm and was telling me that he had to keep stopping to rest a bit. He was in picture perfect health, so I never thought a thing about it. The next day he was warming up and practicing shooting when he began to lose mobility in his right arm and leg. Within minutes he couldn't talk. He was life-flighted to Springfield, Missouri, where he was diagnosed with having a massive stroke. We were able to communicate with him for the first couple of days, even though he was unable to talk. Three days after his stroke, he was gone. We made the decision to donate his organs, as we felt this was something he would want and be proud of. Both kidneys were donated, and I have been in contact with one of the recipients family members. About a year ago I again received a letter from a man who received donor tissue in a knee surgery. Both families were so grateful and so kind in their words. I know Luke would be proud to know he helped others in this way.
