Dottie_Clark_592

Sean, you did a great job on this story, as you always do. You not only tell the story in an interesting way, you make the people, their personalities, and their feelings come alive in your writings. I teared up, along with Buechner at the news of the death of his good friend, Heath, as I read along. You are a remarkable man yourself, Sean Kirst! You are so good at capturing the person(s) and the story! BRAVO! And thanks for sharing this story. Dottie Clark

First of all, I'd like to pubicly thank Sean Kirst for his wonderful work in creating this article. Sean, you're the best! I so enjoyed meeting you, getting to know you, and yes..hugging you! ;-) You obviously love what you do, and you ALWAYS bring out the best in those you write about. Thank you for your continuing support to alert the public to the dire need for more organ donors for transplants. You are greatly appreciated! Lord willing, I will be participating in next year's Acts of Kindness Weekend again (as an official hugger), and at least one of our daughters has expressed the desire to come help me hug lots of people. Grateful hugs to you, Sean...from Dottie

Next, I would like to respond briefly to those who kindly left comments here:

Cuz Lloyd, thank you for your glowing words. Isn't it something how we have become close friends and yet we have never met in person? I, too, hope we CAN meet one day! You have always been ultra-supportive of me in anything I've done, and you have a very special place in my heart forever. Hugs coming with this message!

Nancy, it was just delightful to see you outside of UUMC the Sunday morning of Acts of Kindness Weekend! It had been a long time since we former neighbors had seen each other. It was good to hug you again and catch up a bit. Thanks so much for your kind words written to Sean! Hugs to you!

Melanie, as you said, you and I don't know each other at all, but it's easy to see that we're on the "same beam" in our thinking...it's all about caring for others, isn't it?! I thank you for writing in and for your lovely thoughts...and for your warm hugs! Hugs back at you!

Linda Jane, what a thoughtful, caring letter you wrote to Sean! I really like your idea of having a day when people would at least have their blood type found out to see if they are a match - for me, or for someone else needing a transplant to live. The blood type must match (I'm type O), then the blood sample is tested for any antibodies that might be present which would cause the recipient's body to reject the donor's kidney. I have had over 25 offers of a kidney, yet each one has been eliminated as a donor for me, for various reasons. The donor must have no history of cancer and should not have high blood pressure. I so enjoyed working with you in music a number of years ago, Linda! Thanks for your wonderfully kind words. Hugs to you!

Cuz Pat, you have always been a wonderful, strong support for me in many ways - in our shared genealogical searches, when we had a family member with Hospice (your being a Hospice volunteer helped me so much!), just being a wonderful friend. You give great hugs too! ;-) I am so grateful for your continuing support and encouragement, Pat. Love you! Dottie hugs...