I would like to respond to Ms. Luckenbaugh's letter. First of all, unless you personally have lost a child, you do not "understand that couple's grief" or what they were going through or what they are still going through today. My own son was killed in a car accident almost two years ago, and, like their son, Mark wanted to be an organ donor. However, because of the type of injuries sustained in the accident it was not even a consideration. However, I must tell you, I do not know what my husband and I would have done at the time if it had been.

I look back and like to think I would have tried to honor his wishes, but I honestly do not know. It is enough that you are faced with the loss of this beautiful child that you have loved for almost 19 years, and then you have all these decisions to make in a matter of minutes, hours and days and under tremendous stress and grief. I cannot believe that anyone would even insinuate that the parents should feel guilty about their decision. I think that their son would understand their grief and their love and their need to hold on just a little longer. I for one am praying for their continued healing.

Nancy Meister,

Sunbury