As you go through the weekend, think this over and post your reaction in the comments below.
A man who received a heart transplant 12 years ago and later married the donor’s widow died the same way the donor did… of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
No foul play was suspected in 69-year-old Sonny Graham’s death at his Vidalia, Ga., home. He was found Tuesday in a utility building in his backyard with a single shotgun wound.
Graham… was on the verge of congestive heart failure in 1995 when he got a call that a heart was available in Charleston.
That heart was from Terry Cottle, 33, who had shot himself.
Grateful for his new heart, Graham began writing letters to the donor’s family to thank them. In January 1997, Graham met his donor’s widow, Cheryl, then 28, in Charleston. They married several years later.
This story is not an isolated event either. According to Professor Gary Schwartz at the University of Arizona, there are more than 70 documented cases where transplant patients have adopted some of the personality traits of the donor.
A man develops a sudden love for classical music after receiving a heart from a violinist. Another man begins to enjoy baking, shopping, and gardening after receiving a kidney from his wife. And many more similar stories.
Is it possible that parts of the soul of a person can be transplanted into another?
If so, is it possible to experience a deeper connection to others without transplanting organs? But instead through deeper sharing of emotions, thoughts, maybe even our spirit?
Thoughts?
Corey is the editor of Simple Marriage as well as a licensed marriage & family therapist. While he has a Ph.D. in Family Therapy, he only occasionally likes to be called doctor. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe so you don't miss any future posts.No related posts.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, how awesome would that be. It reminds me of the movie “Cocoon” where the man and the alein woman had a kind of spiritual sex.
I have felt that the more I share with others like my spouse or friends, the more connected we are. I think there is so much more out there to experience than we know. I think we can develop our spiritual side to almost a fourth demension. Maybe that is where God lives? What do you think?
I’ve held the belief for a long time that memories are not just stored in our brains. They are stored in our cells.
@ Laurie – I believe that there is a God created side of everyone. Maybe it is located deep within our hearts and souls. Which I guess would allow for other parts of us to house or spirit and memories.
@ Asrai – Think of the amazing storage capacity if our cells are used in this way?
Have you thought about this with identical twins in mind. I have heard many interesting stories of a deeper connection with them. They know each others thoughts and I have heard felt each others pain even when not together. I wonder if its that they also share “spirit” besides DNA?
I think spouses can have that kind of connection as well especially after being together for years and years. While I do want the deep connection (not duct taped) with my spouse. I most want the deeper connection with God. That is what is stirring my heart. Maybe you could post on something like that someday.