Be the match.

I received an e-mail yesterday from the National Marrow Donor Program. My heart fluttered. Is this how they contact matches?

No.

It was a "Welcome to the team" message. But I think it's important to tell...well, myself, really, that the flutter was not one of fear; it was one of excitement. I suppose it could be important to tell you that, too.

I'm basically a giant chicken. I hate needles. Blood? Ugh. But I was excited for that seconds-long period of time when I thought I had been matched to someone who needed a transplant.

I think about Natalia all the time. I try to make it positive thinking; I ponder the gifts she left us all...when she left us all.They are too numerous (and honestly, far too personal) to list here.

But this is one that she gave very specifically to me. Thanks, otra mija.