Our brother Dan unexpectedly departed for the happy hunting grounds when he was 43 years old. His sudden passing left his family and friends (especially twin sister) completely heartbroken.
After accepting that he wouldn't recover, the donor representative asked if we would consider organ donation. We had different reactions but then remembered he had already made the decision and we also saw it on his driver's license. It was difficult but everyone agreed.
We were later notified that three of Dan's organs were successfully donated. Receiving letters from recipients expressing their gratitude eased some of the heartache and it also inspired family members and friends to become donors.
Dan loved to hunt, fish, trap, and bugle for elk. He loved music, concerts, cooking unusual game dishes and making syrup from wild berries. He had a special interest in Native American Indians and read countless books on their tribes and customs. He also enjoyed taking kids fishing or to youth outdoor programs where they experienced canoeing, fishing, and other activities for the very first time. He was especially adept at hand cooing and was so much fun, always teasing and playing pranks whenever there was opportunity. He strived to live every day to the fullest.
We are happy that we are able to honor his memory in this quilt. The suede on the patch was taken from a pouch that he carried with him for hunting.
We and his many friends love and miss him very much.