Until We Meet Again, Dick

Upon my first visit to the transplant clinic to undergo tests for acceptance into the program, I met a kindly older gentleman by the name of Dick Thomason.  Dick had undergone a heart transplant several years earlier and had taken it upon himself to spread the word of organ donation.  His lovely wife, herself not in the best of health, worked side by side with him until her death about 2 years ago.

Dick and my parents made a strong connection.  He and my father would discuss the ins and outs of gardening, in particular how to grow tomatoes, as I underwent the numerous biopsies and other tests both before and after my transplant.  Dick was the keeper of extra medication...if you had some that you no longer needed, you gave it to Dick.  If you needed something that your insurance couldn't cover for a while, you called Dick.

He tirelessly worked for LifeShare.  He never pressured anyone to help him in his endeavors but would readily accept help if offered.  He came to every clinic date to make sure everyone was doing ok.  And he always lived life to the fullest.  He got involved in classic planes and cars.  When his wife passed away, he connected with an old classmate who was his first girlfriend, and they began to "see" each other.

Today, Dick lost his battle with one of the many complications that can happen to transplant patients.  There will never be a way to thank him for all he has done for each of us personally or for LifeShare in Oklahoma in general.  But, Heaven has been blessed by a very special angel this evening.....and Dick and his beloved wife are back together.  All is right in the Heavens.

Until we meet again, Dick......