After the Rain Comes the Rainbow
After the Rain Comes the Rainbow
by Rae Ann Reichert
On July 12, 1994, our only daughter was killed when a 16 year old driving a pick
up truck struck our car from the rear while we were waiting to turn left. Kayla Renee
Reichert was born 2/19/87 in Indianapolis, IN and was pronounced brain dead there on
July 13, 1994. Although our 13 year old son, also seatbelted in the back seat of the
car, was hospitalized, all of our injuries paled in comparison to her death. A choice
we had made years before, to be organ donors, provided us with a way to cope with her
tragic loss. Kayla's organs gave eight others a second chance for life, a new
beginning for them and their families. While our religious faith was our safe harbor,
organ donation gave us the strength to find some peace when our whole world seemed to
crash down around us. We have always believed in the organ donor program but now we
have a message to share.
WHAT LOVE IS
by Rae Ann Reichert
My mother held me in her arms and dried my tears. I was a baby and I thought I knew
what love was.
My new puppy licked my face and wagged his tail. I was a child and I thought I knew
what love was.
Johnny slow-danced with me to "Get Together" by the Youngbloods. I was a teenager
and I thought I knew what love was.
My father posed proudly beside me as I held my diploma. I was a graduate and I
thought I knew what love was.
Tom pledged his love to me and I gave my love to him. I was a bride and I thought I
knew what love was.
Our infant son smiled at me when I sang to him. I was a young mother and I thought I
knew what love was.
Our adopted baby girl was placed in our arms. I was older and I thought I knew what
love was.
For seven years our children's laughter rang through our home. I was middle-aged and
I thought I knew what love was.
I looked into her face when God called her back home and I held her hand to say
good-bye. I lost my little girl and I thought I forgot what love was.
But eight lives were changed, eight people were given a second chance to live because
we donated our daughter's organs.
Now I know what love is.
Copyright 1995 - Rae Ann Reichert
Rae Ann Reichert can be reached via email at rae519@yahoo.com
mail welcome
email updated 7-30-01
[return to home page] [column] [book excerpts] [honor page] [discussions page]
