How does that song go? Smile though your heart is aching? My heart aches all the time. When I was a child I longed to be a professional figure skater. Syncope took away that dream.

They fitted an ICD. I can’t say it hasn’t been effective; I’ve lost count of how many times it’s restarted my heart.

Smile what’s the use of crying? I’ve had cardiomyopathy since childhood, now I need a heart transplant. How can I smile when, for me to live, another has to die? Voice shaking with unshed tears, I answer the call that seals our fate. 

    5 1 vote
    Post Rating
    14 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    This is such a sad story, Carrie, although it includes a hope of a heart transplant and a smile. To live with the knowledge that one’s heart might give in any day must be very scary. You illustrated that feeling in a great way!
    You might have seen my input to the comment you wrote to Allan. This is weird! Same association for all three of us. Maybe more will follow?

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    1 year ago

    Thank you so much for this added information, Carrie. I can now easier visualize the situation. The reaction you describe is surprising, coming from a person who has been waiting for years to get a healthy heart. It must have been difficult for you, as a young and inexperienced nurse, to find a way to support the patient. What a nice coincidence that you heard that song in the car afterwards! And… Read more »

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    Such a moving story, Carrie. A new life for someone but life ends for another. Reading your comment to Christer, I can understand how your patient’s words would have affected you. As Christer comments, your words illustrate perfectly the dilemma being faced. Very sensitively done.

    Allan Neil
    Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
    1 year ago

    Bitter-sweet, Carrie. I remember once, following the aftermath of a hideous road crash where the 21-year-old victim had a donor card and her parents, although distraught at their loss told me they took heart (sic) from the fact that a vital part of their little girl would live on, and at the same time might prevent some unknown parents from going through what they were experiencing. Your tale stirs up the same… Read more »

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Hello, Carrie. Your story is short, but honestly, it made me cry. Those words below resonated with me so much: “How can I smile when, for me to live, another has to die? Voice shaking with unshed tears, I answer the call that seals our fate.” Well done.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Carrie OLeary
    1 year ago

    You’re welcome, Carrie.

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    11 months ago

    This is a moving story, Carrie. What a situation to be in! I almost have anxiety reading the last line; there would be such guilt in surviving at the cost of another’s life. Great work!

    allinonefitness steven jenkins
    allinonefitness steven jenkins(@allinonefitness-steven-jenkins)
    11 months ago

    Beautiful.  ? 

    Recent Comments

    14
    0
    Selected Authors may submit comments (5 Credits)x
    ()
    x
    Scroll to Top

    Sharing a Post

    Why do my friends need to SignIn to read the post I shared?

    Actually, this is a voting security feature. During public voting, only club members can read posts submitted for that contest. Since anyone reading the story is able to vote (click the Like button), we reserve these capabilities to members who SignIn. Before we implemented this security feature, people were voting multiple times and making the public voting process unfair and out of balance. To fix this, our staff finally decided to allow only members who SignIn to read the stories. Membership is free and easy, and ensures our club is safe, secure, and family-friendly!