In The Blink Of An Eye...

Yesterday, my husband and I watched a story on the news which made us cry, feel thankful and reminded us of the importance of being an organ donor...

Aric Brill was 16 years old when he was shot February 20, 2009 outside a party in the east valley of Las Vegas.  He was returning to the party, after walking to a near by 7- Eleven with some friends, when suddenly they were confronted by a lone suspect who pulled two guns in each hand. A witness said the assailant shouted at the boys, he was going to  rob them, threatening to shoot if anyone ran.  As Aric and the others scattered and ran for their lives, the assailant began shooting.  Two of the boys were shot.  A  19 year old friend was critically wounded but survived.  Aric was shot in the back of the head, severing an artery to his brain. In the blink of an eye, his life was over. It was reported, the shooter ran up and robbed one of the boys as they lay on the ground bleeding, and then ran away.

Despite blood spurting from his wounds, police officer Vernon Ferguson gave Aric CPR.  This heroic decision would be a very critical part of Aric's last wishes...

The shooter is suspected to be a gang member but still has not been found.  There is a $17,500 reward for any information leading to the apprehension of Aric's killer.

Just two weeks prior to the shooting, Aric told his Mother at the DMV, he wanted ALL HIS ORGANS donated if he should die.

Yesterday, Louis one of the eight recipients of Aric's organs, was flown from Santa Cruz, Ca to Vegas by an anonymous donation, so he could meet Aric's Mother Karen, his now 16 year old brother Kevin and his Father, Don.  Louis, age 51, received Aric's heart.

If the police officer had not kept Aric breathing through CPR, none of Aric's organs would have been able to be donated.

I cannot tell you how huge the lump in my throat was when I watched Aric's Mother put on a stethoscope and listened to her son's heart beating in Louis's chest. 

I cannot even begin to imagine the impact it had on her and her family.

Personally, I ached for the family as tears pooled in my eyes and fell down my cheeks.  I looked over and my husband was wiping his eyes too.

The Brill family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He was a good kid with piercing blue eyes, an A student at Global community High School. He was involved with The Future Business Leaders of America, was computer savvy and stayed physically fit playing football and skateboarding.  He was best friends with his younger brother. He was not affiliated with any gangs.

A news post on Aric's Memorial service reported his Mom read a list of Aric's top ten life goals.  Two of those goals were to graduate from high school with Honors and to get a scholarship to College.  The pain his parents must have felt knowing none of those goals on her son's list would be accomplished.  I hope they can find some peace and consolation with his generous spirit in giving the Gift of Life to eight different people, when most donors can only help two.  I think Aric's gift was unselfish  and one which will live on for many years in his memory.

Watching the news program yesterday, Aric's Father said, "The only thing worse than losing Aric, would be the loss of any of the people who received Aric's organs." 

My heart ached for a family with such a great loss, to find comfort and love for eight total strangers who are alive and living only because of their wonderful son. I pray the family heals and his killer is caught.  Rest in peace Aric and may you continue to fly on the wings of eagles...