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On February 23, 2014, Brooke Dawkins was crossing a busy street in Orlando, FL near the University of Central Florida. Sadly, she was struck by a vehicle and died at a local hospital after a ten-day stay in intensive care.
But what proved tragic for one family was life-saving for another.
At the same time the Dawkins family was reeling at the news of their daughter’s death, Carol Wright was preparing for her own death. The Wisconsin resident desperately needed a heart transplant, and when Brooke passed away, her devastated family honored the young girl’s commitment to be an organ donor. Both of Brooke’s corneas were given to a person in need, as were her kidneys, her pancreas, and her liver, as well.
But it was Carol who received Brooke’s heart.
Two years later, Carol was invited to Orlando by Brooke’s parents, Chris and Laura Dawkins. The three adults who would not have known one another if the accident had never happened met at the Orlando International Airport for the very first time.
“I can’t wait to hear her heart,” said Laura Dawkins. “I can’t wait to put my ear on her chest and hear my daughter’s heart.”
Intent on showing Brooke’s parents her gratitude, Carol said, “I was going to be someone who would take care of my heart, take care of Brooke’s heart.”
Though the details could not be more different, Brooke’s death gave Carol new life just as Jesus’ death gives us new life. Jesus offers us a new heart – His heart!
And our Heavenly Father loves to hear the sound of His Son’s heart beating in our chests.
Click here for the online report.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Accident
Death
Heart
Life
New Life
Obedience
Sacrificial
Surgery
Tragedy
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
