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Highlands Today

Important Lessons Learned From The Darkest Tragedies

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Highlands Today Staff

Published: November 16, 2007

Few of us knew Alexa Hall. She was only 3-months-old when her mother's boyfriend allegedly shook her to death Monday. All most of us know are what we see in the photograph of a precious baby girl and the anguish of her mother and grandparents. It's enough to break the hardest heart.

What we also know about Alexa, however, is that although tragedy befell her, she brought life and happiness to others in her short time here. Besides the people who loved her, her transplanted organs provided life for other babies in several locations around the country.

Alexa gave the gift of life to other little ones who also faced death. As tragic as this ordeal is for her family, at least some warmth has to be felt that part of her lives on, and gives someone else the chance at a happy life. It's the ultimate gift and Alexa's legacy will never be forgotten in the hearts of those who loved her and many other people who know little of her. How many of us can say that?

Alexa's family, through this dark time of searing sorrow, had the compassion to share her organs so others could live. How many people could make such a sacrifice during times like that? Not many, we're guessing.

What Alexa's short life teaches us is that there is a greater good, even when something so tragic befalls a family. Organ donation saves lives and affects more people than can ever be calculated. What is evident, though, is the grief family members feel and even the community as a whole.

We should honor Alexa and her family for the good deeds they did for others in their darkest hours. We can do that by signing up to be organ donors ourselves, and making sure our loved ones know our wishes in similar circumstances.

Something beautiful came out of something incredibly tragic. We can't make the pain go away for the family, but we can keep Alexa in our hearts and remember a short life well lived. She knew love and then gave it. That's about all any of us can ask for.

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