Gift of Life and Love

By Virginia Huie

Thirty-seven years ago, Charles Cornell of Shirley took Diane's hand in marriage.

This past June she gave him one of her kidneys to save his life.  Charles' kidneys were failing. He faced a 5 to 10 year wait on the transplant list for a donor. He could've died waiting. But his wife wouldn't let that happen. Diane knew in her heart she was a match. She made up her mind to donate.

The procedure took place at Stony Brook Medical Center. The couple sent love notes to each other during recovery.  Diane says it was the easiest and best thing she ever did. As Diane puts it,

"I love him and I want another 100 years with him to be by my side forever."

Now, Charles is getting stronger every day. His love for his wife has deepened. Charles told me,

"The love and devotion she has for me I could never repay her."

Thirty-seven years ago, Diane made a vow to Charles to love him in sickness and in health. She kept her promise by giving him the gift of life. That's true love.

Do you have a special Long Island love story to share? Tell us about it at [email protected].

Comments

[dabbadoo]

Awww. That's sweet. A true love story.