The Pattersson family arrived in Los Angeles, USA from Uppsala, Sweden on Sunday June 9, 1995. The next day they headed for Disneyland, the first day of a two-week vacation in America. Driving on Golden State Freeway, having just passed the Hollywood Freeway, suddenly they found that the fast moving traffic was rapidly coming to a stop. The drivers applied their brakes, followed by screeching tires, loud thumps, beeps, explosive noises, smoke and then a dead silence. The car behind the Pattersson’s just could not stop and rear ended them, pushing their car to the right lane and spinning it ninety degrees. A truck in that lane could not stop either, so it hit head on the left passenger door. It happened so fast that they were first in shock for a moment, followed by moaning and screaming.

Karin who was sitting by the window was badly bleeding and unconscious. Karl, the driver, was badly bruised in the left arm. The rest of the family was conscious but bleeding and suffering from whiplash. After the ambulance came, they were rushed to nearby Loma Linda University and Medical Center.

Karin, who was 9 years old, was immediately taken to the operating room, but after three hours she was pronounced dead with multiple severe injuries to her head. Karl had his bruised arm treated, Maria had three stitches in her forehead, Nils had neck pain and Gunnar had a few bruises on his arm and leg.

After they learned the tragic news, the family had to wait a while longer for some paper work to be finished. Anna, the hospital administrator asked if she could speak to Maria and Karl alone. In a soft voice, with a sympathetic look, she asked, “I know this a terrible time for you and your family. Could you consider donating Karin’s organs? It would be entirely your decision. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to me. But you don't have to do it.”

Maria was tormented once again for having to make such a decision under such circumstances. She thought, “I am in a foreign country, my child is dead, and now I have to go home with parts of her body left behind.” Karl realized they needed some time to think about it and asked, “How much time do we have to make such a decision?” Anna replied, “Three hours.”

The Patterssons left for their hotel. They spent some quiet time to calm down. They ordered some food, but no one was in a mood to eat. Then Maria and Karl decided to go for a walk in a nearby park and talk about the organ donation. Karl realized it could save someone’s life—they had already lost Karin. For Maria, it was not that easy. To her, transplanting her heart, liver, eyes, and kidneys would be final. She was still keeping her hope alive—any time in a miraculous way Karin would come alive. She sat for a while, reflecting with tears rolling down her cheeks and said, “Goodbye, Karin. I love you.” She finally concluded that in this way in death she was giving life to others. At 7 p.m, Karl called the hospital with their consent to go ahead.

The next evening they booked a flight to leave Los Angeles for Sweden. Every one carried something that belonged to Karin. Maria carried a teddy bear which she gave to Karin on her 9th birthday just a few months back. It seemed awkward for them going back home without their Karin. Just before boarding the plane, Maria gave a final look behind her, as if ready to say, “Hurry up Karin, we are going to miss the plane” and she would come running. But she did not.

Seven days later the Pattersson family received this letter:

Dear Mrs. Pattersson:

My name is Maria Gonzales. I am the mother of Julio. I don't know how to start this letter. Every time I see Julio who received Karin's heart I feel so bad for you. You have lost a daughter. Life sometimes takes very mysterious unexpected turns.

We came to Los Angeles only a few month ago sponsored by “Star Kids,” an organization that makes kids’ wishes come true. For many years I did not have any hope that Julio would get better because he had a heart problem since he was born. Now, he has a new heart and he is getting better. This sounds unbelievable, but it is true.

On the other hand you have lost someone very near and dear. I feel very bad for all of you, but especially for Mrs. Pattersson. As a mother, I have thought many times about losing my beloved child.

If it is any consolation, think of Karin as being partly alive in Julio's body. You will not see her again, but her heart keeps on ticking in my son's body. And this I cannot forget. Every time I see him, I think of Karin. By agreeing to give the organ, you have given someone a new lease on life. I am sending Julio's picture. I hope you send me one of Karin. I will always keep the pictures of Karin and Julio together. To me, both are very alive.

You are a wonderful family. I love you all. Although we live a world apart, I feel close to you.

Hope we can get together one day.

Best regards,

Maria.

P.S. It is quite a coincidence our first name is the same. For that I feel a special connection to you.