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A bittersweet homecoming~Emily's Gift
 
This was my body, withered and dying
 
we all have the power
 
To give the greatest gift
 
Life...
 
My angel before she had a name and a face
 
My life is a miracle that continues to unfold
 
Thank you Emily
 
From my Easter heart :)

Many of you on Tabblo know my story...stricken with a virus that destroyed my heart and nearly took my life until it was saved by a beautful woman named Emily Compton.

 

She died April 6 2007, and on Easter Sunday 2007, her heart was transplanted into my body.

 

Emily's "gift of life" saved mine, and I decided I must give back, and speak out to make people aware of the MIRACLE organ donation is to a person such as myself.

 

Without Emily's gift, I probably would not have survived more than a month.

 

Too many people die waiting for the miracle that never comes. I was one of the fortunate ones.

 

I was also blessed to eventually come to know her name, her story, and her family through emails and photos.

 

I will never forget that my new life came as a result of the death of another person. A person with a full life, and a loving family who miss her badly.

 

On Friday April 3rd, I flew to Charlotte , North Carolina to meet the family of Emily,my angel.

 

It was as if I brought Emily home once again.I cried  the tears of joy and sadness, and gave them the hugs she could not. Her heart was brought full circle to the place she was born, and lived, and where her body rests but her spirit lives on.

 

She is free, and she freed me from my broken body.

 

Thank you to all who made this possible, and thank you to my new family for opening your hearts and homes to mine.

 

Save a life! Be an organ donor   :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News 14 | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Organ recipient meets ...  

But she was an organ donor, and her heart saved a life. “Without her unselfish gift that she gave me, I would not be here,” recipient Debra Kuhnly said. ...

*click on the blue link above to see our meeting *

Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.  ~David Thomas

 

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.  ~S.D. Gordon

 
Like the spring, life took hold and began again
 
In Memory of Emily Compton
 
I am the caretaker of her heart
 
Her love and spirit is eternal
 
As I am today
 
A beautiful thing...
 
She gave me wings
 
To reach my highest aspirations
 
Reaching higher than I ever imagined 2 short years ago
COMMENTS
Debdog said at 1:14 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Special thanks to my sisters who accompanied me, and to my husband Barry who made it possible for all of us to go. :)
Debdog said at 1:22 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
the link takes you to the television station clip...they recorded our meeting in the auditorium of a hospital in North Carolina.
Robya said at 2:27 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Very Very Beautiful. My Heart thumped when I read this.. Blessings to you for Long Life to Satisify you~~Sincerely, Hugs, Robbi
Chilla said at 2:30 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
This is an amazing story and you are an inspiration! How wonderful for you to finally meet Emily's family and for them to meet you and to see that Emily's untimely death has not all been in vain. Thank you for the link. You are a great ambassador for organ donation. Thank you for sharing this Tabblo.
YonderCreature said at 3:11 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Life is so precious and the intertwined lives of yours and Emily's is an inspirational marathon where the torch of life is passed from heart to heart. Happy Easter and we rejoice with you and Emily's family in the miracle of life that we celebrate this Easter Season!
Sd14 said at 4:20 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
congrats you have met god & he smiled on you both,
this tabblo has been put together so very beautifull
Wildthing said at 4:56 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Happy Easter, Deb. You know how I feel about your struggle and victory over such adversity.
Mirella said at 4:58 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Have an Happy Easter, dear friend, the second of your new life ! What you are doing for the organ donation is great ! Hugs, dear !
Hhwind said at 5:04 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Happy Easter, it was very courages of you to meet the other family and personaly thank them and meet them. Their gift is truly from the heart, given to one who truly deserve it. Thank you for the link, this great tabblo and for sharing this.
Merja-zerga said at 5:26 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Magnifique témoignage à la vie Debbie, beaucoup d'émotion à découvrir ces images qui nous poussent à nous investir dans le don d'organes. MERCI!!!
ThierryKarine
EMA said at 5:52 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Tears came to my eyes with this wonderful tabblo! God bless you and your angel who gave you a new life. A very Happy Easter to you my dear friend!
Debdog said at 7:34 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Deb, you made me very proud, I believe you have given Emily's family a reason to be thankful, in spite of the loss of their daughter they now have a new amily member in you.
Catmagneto0257 said at 7:42 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
I did it again, sorry,Deb was still logged in on my computer! Dad.
Andre. said at 8:45 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
So very...human...Great work, Debbie.
Moabjeeper said at 9:10 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Great story of unselfishness.
Umauma said at 9:22 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Words can not do justice to the beauty of the gift! everyone said it so well!
ConnieL said at 10:17 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
What a wonderful gift you've been given!! You, in turn, are sharing that gift with so many.
Ira said at 10:19 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Wonderful Tabblo. A real miracle. Gift - life. Very beautiful photos. Noble and great idea.
Cowgirl said at 10:19 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Thank You Deb for sharing this beauitful Easter Tabblo . Happy Easter to you and your FAMILY'S
Tractorbabe said at 10:28 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
I am sure that Emily's family is grateful that such a caring, wonderful person, has received Emily's heart. Your promotion of organ transplants will help save countless others. The world thanks you!
Saulblum said at 11:20 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Very touching and uplifting. Happy Easter!
Pattymaryclare said at 11:21 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Oh Debs I watched the video a few days ago as you know but I never knew this GIFT OF LIFE took place on Easter Sunday....dare I liken this miracle of Emily's death and your new life to the actual 'He has died and risen again' that we celebrate at Easter.....it's really almost as if there is a 'parallel' to the story of Easter!! This tabblo is so delicate and yet strong ...I cannot say more but a blessed and peaceful Easter to you and Emily's family...the returning to her family has I'm sure, given you all great joy and bittersweet PEACE...........luv Patty xoxox
SusanFromOregon said at 11:23 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
It also gave tears to my eyes - What a wonderful Gift!
Gams said at 11:27 a.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Deb, You and Emily have touched lives of many people including me. Your visit to her family must have been an unforgetable and amazing experience! This is a very good story and a timely reflection during this lentghen season. God bless you, your family and Emily's family.
Swedfinn said at 12:00 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Happy Easter and great success to Your BIG MISSION!!!!
Candlepower said at 12:40 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
This is so special! Have tears in my eyes. A Very Happy Easter. Congratulations on a well deserved TOD!
21-gramm said at 1:06 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Happy new BDay, Debbie! Happy spring in your soul!
Great Gift to Emily Compton!

with hope....
Welshchick said at 1:18 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
What an awesome tabblo to wake up to ...literally...I have passed your precious" bittersweet homecoming" on to many friends and family. It is the ultimate precious gift and inspiration for us all: EASTERHEART...I cry every time I see this video **EVERYONE MUST SEE THIS and pass it on** I am making my own EASTER TABBLO with this... Deb, it hit me yesterday...I will be meeting Emily also.
Pkeener said at 1:30 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Happy Easter and Happy Life!
Wlk68 said at 3:05 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
This moved me to tears. Happy Easter, Deb. God bless you and your angel- Emily.
Debdog said at 3:11 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
WOW!!!!!!!!!! TOD! thanks guys!!!! it was such an amazing experience to meet her family, very emotional and i felt everthing had come full circle...i hope you had the time o see the actual "meeting" thru the TV link...i had not laid eyes on them thill that moment..my whole "journey" has been an incredible, LIFECHANGING thing....it has enriched my soul in so many ways, and I am forever grateful...that's why I MUSTT honor God and my gift ALWAYS, and show peolle the miracle of donation. Thank you all my friends! THANKS TABBLO STAFF :) hugs to you all :) and thanks to those of you that made this a fav.....there is so much love here....my heart is full THANKS !!!!!!!!! :)
AND YES RHONDA! It just hit me when you said that...you WILL be meeting Emily too!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!
Mdelaney512 said at 4:54 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Debbie this is touching, sayes it all with just a few pictures. God picked the right place for Emily's heart to be taken care of!!
Bethe27 said at 6:22 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
OH Debbie, It is easy to see how percious and wonderful you are. The video is great. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us! :-) May you have many more wonderful years to honor Our Gracious Creator. Well deserved TOD!!!!!! :-)
Fabio_DL said at 6:47 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Deb, With tears in my eyes, I give you a big hug! Take care, my dear.
Jantass said at 6:57 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
maravilloso tabblo ,muy hermoso lo que haces !!!
Karsten said at 7:04 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
Deb - your tabblo had to be a ToD! This story is living love! You look sooo happy and full of life in the video and i am sure that you will have great sucsess in your mision!! I am an organ doner - because i think it´s the greatest way to help and be usefull to others when i don´t need my body anymore..! A big hug and happy easter!
Debdog said at 8:42 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
thanks Mick ;) (Emily's Uncle) Bethe, THANKS!!! what a beautiful comment :)
Fabio big hugs to you too! thanks Jeannine and Karsten :) HUGS FOR ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Debdog said at 8:48 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
thank you to all of you that have chosen to be organ donors :)
Alabarz said at 11:50 p.m. on Apr 10, 2009:
What a story! This is soo moving...and the photos are excellent. Happy Easter!
Lageho said at 5:55 a.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
This is a wounderful tabblo with lovely pictures. And the story touch me very much. I wish you a Happy
Easter.
Spilly0901 said at 9:50 a.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
Bravo Deb!
Charlespop said at 10:17 a.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
Beautiful in many , many ways ! Emily will be with us always.
Debdog said at 10:22 a.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
thanks everyone :)
SnowWhite said at 11:02 a.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
A beautiful and moving tribute to your 'angel' . Congratulations on TOD.
Domieb2 said at 11:13 a.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
Aw Debbie... It's amazing how you can make me cry with your Tabblos. Superbly beautiful and exquisite. The message is simple and yet simply inspiring. Thank you for reminding me what life is all about. xo
Domieb2 said at 11:14 a.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
...oh and CONGRATS on a very well-deserved TOD!! :-)
Bravemoonbearer said at 12:29 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
This is such a touching tribute to some wonderful caring woman who will contiinue living thru another wonderful caring woman.May your days be long and full of blessings.
Noe said at 1:24 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
Congrats on TOD Deb... lovely tabblo! :o)
ConnieL said at 1:58 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
Congratulations on TOD, Debra!! You deserved it! :)
Queenanneslace0724 said at 3:16 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
I don't think Emily could have found a more caring and thoughtful and special care-taker of her gift to you. What a wonderful tabblo. Deb, you are indeed a very special person. Also, congrats on TOD.
Debdog said at 5:16 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
awwwww thanks you guys!
Eduardo.affonso said at 5:42 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
Thank you, DEBBIE, for this. You have probably touched many people with your history the way you touched me - I'm not a donor yet, but I'll become one as soon as possible. You are probably saving more lives, too. Congrats, my dear friend.
Debdog said at 6:06 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
thanks so much Eduardo! I do hope this helps , even if ONE person , it is worth it!!!! pay it forward!!!!
Gerardfotografeert said at 6:20 p.m. on Apr 11, 2009:
Whenever I read your story I get goose flesh of it. It touched me enormous and you are the living example of the importance of a functioning donor system. Congrat whit your "new life" and with the TOD. It is again an very emotional and touching tabblo.
Snooway said at 12:30 a.m. on Apr 12, 2009:
Beautiful story, loved seeing the video of you and Emily's family, very touching. A very fitting Easter tabblo of the day. Thank God for new life! Congrats!
Sirnicolay said at 10:11 a.m. on Apr 12, 2009:
Extraordinary tribute, Deb. I'm very happy to realize that there are great souls among us who are willing to extend their love to others. Thanks to Emily and we have you here in the community. You are both wonderful gifts to us--incredible inspiration and reminder that life indeed is beautiful. Happy easter, Deb! :)
Trout921 said at 3:31 p.m. on Apr 12, 2009:
There are no words... Happy Anniversary
Debdog said at 4:16 p.m. on Apr 12, 2009:
thanks Gerard, Sue, and James...your comments are touching too!!!! i wish we could all meet in person! what a time that would be!!!!! yes Sue, I thank God every DAY!
Bxrgirl27 said at 12:37 p.m. on Apr 13, 2009:
This brought tears to my eyes.
Leftofcenter said at 6:23 p.m. on Apr 13, 2009:
a new beginning. destiny. everything happens for a reason. beautiful photos, Deb. touching message.
WEIMAR said at 8:53 a.m. on Apr 14, 2009:
this is a very private story with an wide message
Debdog said at 7:20 p.m. on Apr 14, 2009:
thanks Annelies, and Laura, and Weimar ;)
Sativa said at 10:14 a.m. on Apr 15, 2009:
This tabblo goes right into my heart..... so very touching!!!!!
Debdog said at 5:49 p.m. on Apr 15, 2009:
hi FInn!!!!! so nice of you to stop by!!!!!! thank you!
Shenresi said at 2:04 p.m. on Apr 16, 2009:
nice and lovely shots, Debby!!!
Siagian said at 2:51 p.m. on Apr 16, 2009:
Deb, there is so much beauty in this tabblo on so many levels...most beautiful is the humanity of it. bravo.
CANDYCANE said at 8:37 p.m. on Apr 17, 2009:
BLESSING TO EMILY TO GIVE YOU THIS WONDERFUL LIFE YOU NOW HAVE. BEING AN ORGAN DONOR IN VERY IMPORTANT. I AM AN ORGAN DONOR. WHAT A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE TO EMILY. AND A HAPPY LIFE FOR YOU TO ENJOY. RHONDA
HtD said at 3:38 p.m. on Apr 18, 2009:
Sorry Debra I'am verry late with mine commentary. On this moment I spend a lot of time in a Hospital.
Yess I have always a donor codocil in mine purs.
Hollyridger said at 3:05 a.m. on Apr 19, 2009:
Wonderful story, Deb. I haven't been very active on Tabblo recently but stories like yours will keep me coming back. Blessings to Emily and her family, love to you and yours.
Chaitiamma said at 11:20 a.m. on Apr 19, 2009:
I only come to learn about your story now, God Bless you Debra and to the Compton family.
Debdog said at 9:05 p.m. on Apr 23, 2009:
thanks Woody, Rhonda :).thanks Htd, Noreen, Thanks David!!!!!!!
Joelle.combes said at 3:46 p.m. on Apr 27, 2009:
Superbe!!Dommage que mon anglais ne me permette pas de tout comprendre,mais j'en ai retenu l'essentiel et je dis "bravo" mille fois!
Debdog said at 10:13 p.m. on May 6, 2009:
thanks to all of you :)
Loes said at 4:43 p.m. on May 7, 2009:
Very touching Deb!
Debdog said at 2:47 p.m. on Jun 15, 2009:
thaks Loes :)
DocEna said at 10:40 p.m. on Sep 28, 2009:
YOU ARE SO BLESSED AND YOU CAN AND ARE A BLESSING TO OTHERS...IN A CYNICAL WORLD , TO COME ACROSS YOUR LIFE ( NEW ) STORY IS A SIGN OF HOPE AND AS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL CONTINUE TO BELEIVE THAT THERE IS HOPE STILL..TKS FOR THIS TOUCHING TABBLO...GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE AND IN GOOD HEALTH.
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