Cinco de Mayo...special to me for a very different reason

   Cinco de Mayo...a special day right? People celebrate this day every year. It commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867).  People all over the U.S. celebrate this day with parties and parade's.
   I celebrate this day for a different reason. A reason so very dear to my heart. This is my cousin Jim's birthday and I celebrate him every year on this day. 

   My cousin Jim is a wonderful human being, a husband, a father, a son, a doctor.  He was the only person at my wedding because he "refused to miss it" even though Nate and I eloped in Las Vegas.  He drove from Flagstaff, where he was attending college,  just to be there with Nate and I.

   Jim means the world to me, he lives far away and I haven't seen him in so long, but he is always in my heart.  You see, when Jim was 15 he had already had at least two open heart surgeries and when that didn't work, he received a heart transplant. My cousin turns 40 today. That is why he refused to miss my wedding, he takes nothing for granted, not one celebration, not one special moment, not one day.

   He is a miracle to me. I witness a true miracle each year he is here.  He is now a Pediatric, Cardiac Surgeon, helping others who do not have strong hearts themselves. How amazing is that.

   So on this day, I introduce you to my cousin Jim, a hero, a wonderful man with a huge heart...that beats today because of the gift that someone gave so selflessly. 

   I am an organ donor myself, that is due to Jim of course. I pray that you would consider becoming an organ donor also if you feel so inclined.  Let me tell you that it is not a gift that would ever be taken lightly.  Happy Birthday Jim, May God continue to bless you and protect your every step.  I love you, and am honored to call you family.