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The Boy With The Golden Heart

© Marta J. Baldwin

The Boy With The Golden Heart

Uploaded: May 19, 2007

Description


This image is dedicated to my son Cole.

To give a heart through organ donation is a special gift. Cole's heart was recieved by a fourteen year old boy who had already rejected his first transplant. The chances of him finding a second donor were slim as he has a rare blood type. Cole's heart was a perfect match and, within four hour's, his gift of life was given and recieved. We pray that this transplant will be successful and that Cole's heart will beat on for many years to come.

Cole Richard Baldwin
March 31, 1994 - March 13, 2007


Comments

Sharon Seaward May 20, 2007

I'm so sorry for your loss! There is so much feeling in this photo, it's wonderful. You are very talented!! I can only imagine the pain, I hope this creative outlet helps ease your sorrow. #658610

Pamela Shane May 20, 2007

Wow Marta!! This is such a moving image
I think I'm speechless. One can see the
love that went into this - a glorious
tribute to your beloved Cole. We will see this again!! Take good care. :) #4304342

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic May 20, 2007

Beautiful image for Cole, Marta. I'll be praying that the young boy that recived his heart will be ok and it will go on for many many years to come. It's such a wonderful thing to know that others will live on. I know from when my son was killed in a car wreck 7 yrs ago beacause he was also a donor. It makes me happy to think that maybe Justin and Cole are together getting to know each other. May God bless you and your family. Don't ever stop putting things on for Cole. We have all of those memories of them that no one can ever take from us. #4306113

Marta J. Baldwin May 21, 2007

Thank you so much Sharon, Pam and Kay! I really did put a lot of thought into this one and I really appreciate all your words of support.

Kay-I'm sure the boy's are playing around like boys do and remembering us as we do them. Take care! #4308586

Nikki McDonald level-classic May 22, 2007

Beautiful, moving image and dedication. I think of you and your family often, Marta. I don't know how you achieved all the golden effects you did here--especially that glimmer on the heart itself--but the result is glorious to behold. This looks like a carving and it's certainly perfect for your purpose here--was it carved with the gift of life that a transplant is in mind? #4311812

Marta J. Baldwin May 22, 2007

Hi Nikki...Thank you for the wonderful compliments! I took a carved, wooden statue of a little boy holding a golden heart and placed it on a metallic gold gift bag in natural light. I cropped the image and used a watercolor filter on it in Comcast Photo Center. I don't think the statue was made with organ donation in mind but it was perfect for what I wanted to do. It was a gift from my mother's cousin who also lost a son several years ago. #4312803

Robert K. Bemus level-classic May 24, 2007

A powerful image created from much pain and much love...thank you for reminding us that even through death there can yet be life and hope...God bless you... #4326928

Marta J. Baldwin May 24, 2007

Thank you so much for your comment Robert...I truly feel that our decision to donate Cole's organs was the right thing to do and that it has given us something positive to hold on to. #4326961

Kristi A. Howson May 26, 2007

A wonderful image to portray your emotions Marta. I could feel the strong emotion here before I even read your caption. I'm so sorry for your loss but glad you can find from relief in your decision to donate his organs and give other's a life they might not otherwise have. #4333352

Renee Doyle May 27, 2007

I have thought of you and your family often Marta and hope that each day brings a little more peace to you. This is a gorgeous tribute to your son ..... and the most amazing gift to be ever given. Our thoughts, prayers and good wishes are with you. #4334736

Nadine A. Lewis May 27, 2007

I too think of you & your family often, Marta. This image is FANTASTIC & PERFECT for the MT!!! LOVE the dedication to Cole. I will join you in praying that's Cole's heart will beat for a very long time. <>< #4335556

Marta J. Baldwin May 27, 2007

My deepest thanks to Kristi, Renee and Nadine. I really appreciate your compliments and your thoughts and prayers. #4337509

Jamie Thomas May 30, 2007

Marta may God bless you and give you strength. I love and admire that you are using your obvious talent to share Cole with us all. An abolutely beautiful moment you have here.... Thank you Marta for sharing ~ Jamie #4347785

Melissa G. Meiselman May 30, 2007

Marta, I am so sad for your loss and admire you greatly for your ability to create in the face of such sorrow. I really do not know whether I could carry on the way you have.

This is a wonderful image created as both a memorial for Cole and dedication to the fourteen boy whose life was saved by Cole's gift. #4347937

Marta J. Baldwin May 30, 2007

Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments Melissa! It has been an extremely difficult time for me but creating images and posting photos for Cole makes me feel like I am honoring him for being such a wonderful person and for giving the gift of life to those in need. #4349193

Marta J. Baldwin May 30, 2007

Thank you very much Jamie! I'm really sorry I didn't see your comment above Melissa's. I really appreciate your kind words of support! #4349197

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