June 8, 2008
OPINION
Giving the gift of lifeI received the ultimate Mother's Day gift a few days early on May 6, 2008. My son, Billy Hoffer gave me a part of himself, a kidney. It was the gift of life that only he and God could give me. It was a freely given, totally unselfish act by a special young man. As his mom, I gave him life and he, in turn, was able to give it back to me. Hopefully, we will share many happy memories in our long, happy lives.
I would like to say a public and very heartfelt thank you him and to the many people who have been a part of my journey to good health. First to my husband, Tim, and to my two other children, Tommy Hoffer and Stephanie Hoffer Jones who were all unable but very willing to give, but who give in different ways, thank you. Also, to several wonderful friends, you know who you are, who called the transplant center to try to donate and were unable, thank you. Having people who cared enough to try is a gift in it's own right.
I am forever thankful to my mom, daughter-in-law Kristen Hoffer, son-in-law Jamie Jones and all of our other friends for their love, support and prayers always. To Pastor Rob Turner and the members of Faith United Methodist Church for their caring concern. To my past and present ZHS cheerleaders and their parents for their patience and love and of course to the crazy Krunk Krew for their own special brand of caring and cheer. Yep, I took the Santa hat to the hospital! Thanks to the many area churches that have had myself and my son and family on their respective prayer lists and chains.
April is Organ Donor Awareness month, but we all need to be aware of this need. Do the research. Sign up to be an organ donor. You can't use them after you are gone. Give the gift of life. Register online at
www.dps.state.oh.us.
Anne A. Hoffer
Zanesville
http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080608/OPINION03/806080359/1014/OPINION........
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