A great loss.

Yesterday evening my family lost someone.

My Aunt Becky, who was waiting for a liver/kidney transplant, passed away with her husband, kids, and many of our family members surrounding her. She went peacefully, which is a great comfort to those of us left behind. Though, I don't imagine there is a great deal of comfort for my uncle and cousins just now.

My Aunt Becky lived the kind of life that we can be proud of. She came out of the most unfavorable circumstances to become a loving, devoted wife and mother. She lived a good life, had three children, loved to garden (often selling the fruits of her labor at Farmer's Markets), and was hopelessly in love with my Uncle right up until the very end. She and my Uncle Bill had a romance that others can only dream about. I personally can only hope to achieve such adoration.

I, for one, am incredibly glad that Becky's suffering is over. She showed strength that surpassed anyone's expectations, and sheer will that would put the toughest people to shame. She wanted to live, she wanted to see her first grandchild, she wanted more time with her husband. But in the end, she ultimately wanted "to go home", so that's what she did. What an inspiration she was to me. Proof that life circumstances doesn't define an individual. You could never find a more devoted mother, or a more fiercely loyal friend. Becky was the type of woman you didn't want to mess with, and I would love to be able to say I will someday be able to be like her.

What troubles me is...Becky was in the hospital, waiting for her transplants over the holiday season. But nothing happened. Without sounding too harsh, accidents happen over the holiday season all the time, especially with the weather we were having here in Washington. The fact that she wasn't able to be given another chance at life is shameful. We, as human beings, should be willing and enthusiastic organ donors. There is so much more to donating your organs than "donating life"....it's donating LIFE.

More holidays with family, more nights in your spouses arms, witnessing the birth of your first grandchild, hands in the dirt cultivating gardens, summers on a boat, movies, laughter, food, sighs, touches, conversations, kisses... when you allow someone else to live after your own death, you are allowing that person to experience everything again. Why, in the name of God, wouldn't you share that with another human being?

Please become an organ donor. Tell them at the DMV, tell your spouse and relatives...please allow someone another chance at living. Please, please become a donor.

The death of my Aunt Becky is a great loss to this world. I woke up this morning, and it doesn't seem as bright as it did before. It was an absolute pleasure and honor to be her niece. I am forever changed and grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of her fold. I consider myself to be a better person because of it.

Brooke Moss.