Louis Armani Silva

"Knowing that…children have been…hugged and kissed by their families for even just one more day has been gratifying."

 

My name is Catalina. How and where do I start? On April 26th, 1993, I found out that I was pregnant with my first child. I remember having a wonderful pregnancy. I felt healthy and strong. As time went on I felt more anxious to meet my baby. I wondered what he or she would look like. After looking at him for the first time I remember thinking and saying thank you God for a healthy baby. I could not believe that this boy was actually mine.

 

As little Louis grew, he was the apple of all of our eyes. Everyone would say that he had this angelic look to his face. He was a very bright boy. At the age of five, he knew how to count, write and even read some. I could not believe that at age five he knew how to play chess! He was kind, loving, gentle and so very sweet—not to mention incredibly handsome.

 

Sunday morning was the day I saw my precious son alive for the last time. It was the day that I felt my life practically ended. It was Memorial Day and little Louis’ daddy took him to a barbecue. When he saw his dad pull up he dashed out the door, jumped in the car and waved goodbye.

 

Around 2 a.m. I got the dreadful call we all would hate getting. My ex-sister-in-law called and said that Big Louis and Little Louis had suffered an accident. All the way to the hospital I remember praying to God that they were o.k. At this point I did not know how bad it was.

 

I remember the events that followed but it felt like some dream. After an hour passed I was finally taken to the intensive care unit where my son was. I remember seeing him lying there naked hooked up to tons of machines. His eyes were closed and he looked like an angel sleeping. His body and face looked intact. It was the weirdest thing. No cuts, no bruises, no blood—no apparent injuries. I took a deep breath, looked at the sky, and thanked God. I asked the nurse to tell me what was wrong and what his injuries were. The nurse just kept telling me that they were doing some tests. Hours passed and by this point I felt something was wrong.

 

After hours and hours of waiting for answers the doctor finally came in to give us the news. By this time all family and friends had gathered at the hospital to be with us. The doctor came in and said that there was nothing they could do for my little Louis. He was brain dead. I remember feeling like this was not happening. I thought that this had to be a mistake. Every thought went through my head like a flash! I thought of what he was wearing, his voice, laugh, and the way he would cry. The way he used to call me momma. I felt every moment of his life went through my head in seconds.

 

After a while of having this news sink in OneLegacy approached us. They asked me if I ever had considered possibly donating his organs. For a second I was shocked. I guess I didn't want to admit he was gone. I took a moment and started thinking what it meant to donate. I had never thought about something like this, especially for my son who was only five. I started thinking if my son or daughter or just anyone I loved were waiting for a donor I would want someone to help me. I also started thinking what type of human being Louis was. He was so loving and caring that I knew he would have wanted it this way. And right away I said yes. I don't regret it, not only did he save some lives but it helps me to think that part of Louis still lives on. This is comforting to some degree. I felt that the greatest gift to be given is the gift of life! And I am proud to say that my son gave that gift to three human beings. He is and will be my hero forever!

 

Thank you for listening to my story. As always, this is dedicated to the memory of my son, Louis Armani Silva!

 

Catalina M. Perez