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. 

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Christer Norrlof
Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
5 months 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
5 months 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)
5 months 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)
5 months 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)
5 months 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
5 months ago

You’re welcome, Carrie.

Melissa Taggart
Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
5 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)
5 months ago

Beautiful.  ? 

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