Just Destiny by Theresa Rizzo Read Free Book Online Page B

their loved one’s death wasn’t for nothing.
    “You can choose which organs and tissues he would have wanted recovered or you can donate his whole body, in which case as many as fifty people could be helped. Your husband could live on in as many as fifty people. That’s quite a legacy.”
    Not the legacy that would bring Jenny any comfort. She looked at her beloved husband. How could Gabe really be gone? She dragged in a deep ragged breath, struggling to get oxygen past her raw, constricted throat. With one trembling hand, she rubbed the tears from her eyes.
    “I don’t know. If Gabe wanted to be an organ donor, why didn’t he check the box? He knew how important it was.” She looked at Amy, puzzled. “You’d think a doctor would know better.” Why on earth would he leave such and important decision unmade—up to her?
    “I’m not surprised. Only about forty-five percent of Americans have joined their state's organ donor registry, even though, according to Gallup polls, more than ninety percent of people support organ donation and think it's a good thing.” She pursed her lips and shrugged. “People just don't get around to it, or they aren't asked when they renew their license, or they want to discuss it with their family first but have trouble starting the conversation—or any number of reasons. But you can do it for him. You can give your husband a wonderful legacy and make something positive come from his loss.”
    I can, but should I? She’d lost so much during the past twenty-four hours. Gabe. Their baby. They’d left her to go on alone. Jenny’s top teeth clamped down on her bottom lip.
    She looked at the lady. “Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll sign. But I want something first.” Jenny paused. “I want Gabe’s sperm saved so I can still have his baby. That’s the legacy I want. Can you do that?”
    Amy frowned. “I don’t know. I’d have to check with our director. As far as I know, it’s never been done.”
    “But it’s possible?”
    “I don’t see why not. But I’m not sure they have the facilities here to store the sperm.”
    “I don’t live here anyway. We’re from Grosse Pointe.”
    “Let me talk to my boss and do some research.” With her index finger tapping her flat lips, Amy raised unfocused eyes to some distant point while she thought out loud. “If the hospital has an ethics committee, we’ll probably have to get permission from them. Then I’ll have to find a doctor willing to perform the surgery…and then get hold of a sperm bank.”
    “Will that take long? I assume they’ll want to take his organs soon.”
    “Which organs would you want to donate?”
    Decision made, a shot of adrenaline raced through her. Oh no, what had she done? What Gabe would have wanted , her little voice whispered. Gabe might have chosen this, but she wasn’t ready. He’s gone; it has to be now . But— He’ll always be with you, imprinted on your mind and heart. You know it’s true .
    A peaceful feeling settled over her, slowing her tripping heart. This was right. A tender smile curved her lips as she looked at Gabe. “He’d want to help as many people as possible.”
    “Wonderful.” Amy beamed. “I’ll contact the transplant teams immediately and let them know you’ve consented to donate. They’ll give him some medicine to thin his blood and maximize the health of his organs, so don’t be alarmed when you see him getting extra medication.” She stood and headed for the door. “I’ll get the consent forms and make those phone calls.”
    “Wait,” Jenny called out. “Before I sign any forms. For my own peace of mind, could we turn off the ventilator just to be sure he can’t breathe on his own? I know they said the machine’s breathing for him, but I need to see it for myself. Please.”
    The lady frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. “I’ll talk to his doctor. We may be able to arrange something.”
    “Thank you.”
    Two hours later, Dr. Collins returned to