Daphne Williams was nothing short of incredible. My mom was a strong woman. She taught me so much in her 45 years of life. She showed me how to endlessly pursue my dreams, no matter what that may look like to anyone else. Most of all, she taught me how to make the most of every single moment this life has to offer.
One of my favorite things about my mom was her ability to create remarkable experiences that I will cherish for a lifetime. She cultivated my adventurous spirit as it wasn’t uncommon for us to spend the weekend hiking a mountain or embarking on a 25 mile bike ride. She loved capturing these priceless moments by obsessing over the hundreds of pictures she would take during these outings.
This year will make it the fifth year without her. Losing her was by far the hardest pain I’ve had to endure. There’s not a day goes by without me wishing she was still here- for the big moments and the small. While I am thankful to have all of the pictures she took to remember her, I’m worried that her memory is fading.
Then I realize her legacy lives on in so many ways. My mom will forever be my hero, but how amazing is it that she is a hero to another family. Her heart currently resides in Ms. Doris who lived with a heart disease for 10 years. My mom, a Zumba instructor and health nut, had an impeccable heart. Ms. Doris said that she is forever grateful to my mom and is so happy for the special care my mom took of the heart that now resides within Ms. Doris.
I had the honor of meeting Ms. Doris and listening to my mom’s heart. The sound of her heart in Ms. Doris’ chest was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. Ms. Doris having my mom’s heart brings me comfort. My mom lives on. Her legacy lives on. She is a hero.
My mom chose to be an organ donor, and that decision was powerful enough to save someone’s life.
– Melissa Colorigh