One year ago today on July 19, 2018, Craig Wilkins, my husband and best friend, passed away unexpectedly of an arrhythmia while playing golf with a friend. As I reflect on the one year anniversary of his passing, I am so grateful for the time I shared with Craig. I am also forever grateful for the love and support I have received from family, friends, and strangers. Widowhood is a reluctant club no one asks to join, but there is so much love and compassion in it.
As one friend remarked this week, "You made it!" I made it. I lost not only my partner, but my planned future, my everything. My co-pilot and co-captain for everything in my life was gone in a heartbeat. But I continued living, when it seemed impossible, let alone desirable. And I am finding my wings again.
As I am learning to live with my loss, I am creating Connected Heart to help others, as much as to help me. I will fill this website with tools and resources to help those who are grieving, to help friends and family support someone who has lost, to help all of us build resiliency, and create a community so we can collectively gather strength.
In life, Craig touched so many people with his passion, excitement, joy, and encouragement. His passing left a void for his family, friends, and colleagues, and in particular his parents, sister, and nieces. But with his passing, Craig also gave the gift of healing to 42 others, including restoring sight to a 42-year old man in Massachusetts and an 85-year old woman in Wisconsin.
On the anniversary of Craig's passing, my ask is for you to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor and share your decision to register with your loved ones.
For all of those that grieve for Craig or a loved one, within our hearts, and in our memories, those we love remain with us always. Slumber in the swells, travel on the tides, dance with the winds, and may you forever have peace in your life.
Let us all seek to touch the lives of others and change the world for the better while we are living, but also give the gift of life and healing in our passing.
You Can Help!
95% of Americans are in favor of being a donor but only 58% are registered. Help bridge the gap!
Commit now to give life to others! Register online at RegisterMe.org
If you signed up to be a donor as part of your driver's license process, your decision may not be accessible across state lines. RegisterMe.org allows you to become a nationally registered organ donor -- so you can carry your decision wherever you go.
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