“We were stunned,” Mike said. “We asked everyone. Called the hospital over and over. They wouldn’t tell us. Said the donor wanted to remain anonymous.”
Kaylee recovered. Went into remission. Three years later, she was declared cancer-free.
He called the billing department. Begged for answers. The clerk slipped — said “her.” A woman.
Mike pushed harder. Got a first name: Sarah.
He searched. Found three nurses named Sarah who worked that day. One had moved. One had retired. The third was Sarah Patterson. My wife.
“I found her online,” he said. “Photos of her with you. With your kids. I recognized her instantly. She was the nurse who told me not to give up hope.”
He messaged her. Once. Twice. Then again. No response.
Then he found her obituary.
“I broke down,” he said. “The woman who saved my daughter was gone. And I never got to thank her.”
So he started coming to her grave. Every Saturday. To tell her about Kaylee.
I was crying. Because I remembered.
Fifteen years ago, we had $40,000 saved for a kitchen renovation. Sarah said she’d spent it on “something important.” We fought. I accused her of being reckless. She said, “You’ll understand someday.”
I never did. Until now.
“I’m sorry I came without introducing myself,” Mike said. “I just needed her to know it mattered.”
He stood. “I’ll stop coming if it bothers you.”
“No,” I said. “Please keep coming. She’d want that.”
He nodded. Walked to his bike. Then turned.
He rode away. I stayed. Told Sarah I was sorry. Told her I finally understood.
The next Saturday, I brought two lawn chairs. Mike was already there. We sat together. He told me about Kaylee’s dreams. Her kindness. Her strength. Continue reading…
