Jennifer Wilkinson

Amy L. Phelps

Life's Journey

"Don't think of her as gone away -
her journey's just begun.
Life holds so many facets -
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting -
from sorrows and the tears,
In a place of warmth and comfort -
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing -
that we could know today,
how nothing but our sadness -
can really pass away.
And think of her as living -
in the hearts of those she touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost -
and she was loved so much."
- Ellen Brenneman

I am writing today in loving memory of my sister, Amy L. Phelps, who passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 1999. Amy was very loving, caring, and held a special place in her heart for children. She was proud to be part of an online organization that protected children and kept them out of unsafe websites. Amy was also very proud of being an organ donor. Her willingness to give of herself helped my family make the decision to donate. For as long as I can remember, Amy had the donation sticker on the back of her driver's license. She wanted to donate any organ, tissue or skin that might possibly help another person.

A few weeks after Amy's passing, we received a beautiful letter from the Michigan Eye-Bank, informing us that both of Amy's corneas were able to be given to two individuals who were in need. I cannot begin to tell you how proud I was of my sister at that moment. I'm sure she is looking down from Heaven and smiling. I would sincerely like to meet the recipients of her corneas one day. I pray for their wellbeing each night, as a part of my dear sister lives on in them.

I have since become an active Ambassador with the Michigan Eye-Bank and have had the opportunity to speak at local Lions Club meetings. I stress the importance of making your donation wishes well known to family members. By speaking about organ donation, I am able to find comfort with Amy's passing. I speak on her behalf.

Thank you for allowing me to share my sister with you.