Rushing to the hospital, John laid his head on his son’s chest and listened to his heartbeat, realizing that this might be the last time he would hear the familiar beat.
Although it was John’s worst day, it turned out to be the miracle Robert O’Conner had been waiting for. Robert had suffered from heart disease for over ten years and was eventually put on life support. When doctors heard about Dakota and her family’s decision to donate her organs, they were able to donate the donor heart to Robert.
Overwhelmed by his new chance in life, Robert was filled with gratitude and affection. He wanted to do something to show the Reed family how much he appreciated their gift. While recovering at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Robert teamed up with hospital staff to design a wonderful gift for the Reed family.
He obtained a stuffed doll and, with a little help, created a recording of Dakota’s heartbeat which was then placed inside the bear.
Imagine John’s surprise when his wife handed him a teddy bear with a note from Robert. The note simply stated that Robert would have liked to present the gift in person, but he did not know when that would be possible.
The yellow bear himself was wearing a blue t-shirt that read “Best Dad Ever” on it.
With a little stimulation, John squeezed the bear’s paw to hear the message it carried inside. When John began to hear his son’s familiar heartbeat, he knew what it was.
John realized the bear had Dakota’s heart and broke down in tears.
John’s wife stands nearby and with a video camera, recording the whole touching event. While nothing will replace the son John lost, we know he appreciates the chance to hear his little boy’s heart and will forever treasure the bear.
