I had the privilege of being in that sea of coworkers. It was such a blessing for me to be able to honor Kari, and provide a showing of support for her family.
It also had great personal significance for me. My mom died tragically this summer, and although she was an organ donor, they were unable to get her the hospital in time for the donations to occur. By standing there this morning, I was not only honoring Kari for her sacrifice, but also my mom, for her decision to become an organ donor.
I am so very sorry on your loss of Kari. She is a hero for giving life to others. My sister lived with a liver transplant for 16 years and we still appreciate the donor who gave her that extended life. My heart aches for you and your faith is strong. Let God help guide you through your sadness . Will pray for all of you.
I don't know Kari but I do know that the crosswalk was always a scary feat when I worked there. Sending my thoughts and prayers. I worked in transplant and she is blessing so many lives by giving the gift of life. God bless you all.
To have known Kari and you, her family, over the years we will say that her death has sparked a lot of thoughtful conversation; we are not guaranteed tomorrow, we need to make a choice as to where we will spend eternity, we need to decide what legacy we want to leave behind as we enter eternity! In these few days, Kari has been able to leave a very rich legacy, both spiritually and practically! We are so sorry for your loss! We see, in your posts and comments, that Kari had already addressed each of those issues for herself. It's obvious that in knowing this, the family has found comfort! Pat and I will continue to lift you all up in prayer as time moves on.
Bless Your Family; Bless Kari as she has given the best gift of all...Life! My husband is an organ recipient (pancreas) from 2002. The donation was a life changer for us. At the time we had small children and the gift of life was priceless. There are no words that express the gratitude for receiving the gift of an organ. We never heard from the family of the person who donated the organs, but I pray for them they can continue to know they are our heros, even 15 years later the life that was lost is still living in my husband. God is Great!
To the entire Koen Family,
You do not know us, but we stood where you are standing just a little over a year ago. One minute celebrating a holiday and the next watching our 15 year old son be escorted into his organ recovery surgery. I want you to know that the amazing blessings you are about to receive because of Kari's life giving decision will be immeasurable. This weekend we will meet Logan's heart 9 year old recipient for the first time and I will be thinking about Sweet Kari. One day you will smile and feel joy again when you meet or hear from one of the lives she saved. I'm so very sorry for your loss. We all mourn with you and our hearts are heavy. May God bless you with peace over the next several difficult days ahead.
Lots of Love,
The Luft Family
#LuftTuff
To Kari's family: I didn't know that Kari had such strong faith but as a believer, I think back and I know now that I saw her faith shine through with her actions and words. You can take comfort in that. Heaven is truly rejoicing over Kari's entrance today. My prayers are with you during this terrible time and know that Kari will be leading you through this time of adjustment. You just have to listen for her.
Sending prayers to the family and prayers of thanksgiving to those she is giving another chance at life as she lives on in others. Her giving spirit.....to the very very end.
It also had great personal significance for me. My mom died tragically this summer, and although she was an organ donor, they were unable to get her the hospital in time for the donations to occur. By standing there this morning, I was not only honoring Kari for her sacrifice, but also my mom, for her decision to become an organ donor.