Dad Cries When He Realizes That The Sound Coming From Inside A Teddy Bear Is His Late Son's Heartbeat

Feb 18, 2020 by apost team

Back in 2019, John Reid suffered a dad’s worse nightmare. He got word that his 16-year-old son, Dakota, had been involved in a serious car accident and was in a life-threatening condition. Rushing to the hospital, John laid his head against his son’s chest and listened to his heartbeat, realizing that it would probably the last time that he could hear the familiar rhythm.

While this was the worst day for John, it turned out to be the miracle that Robert O’Conner was waiting for. Robert had been battling heart disease for over ten years and had finally been put on life support. When doctors heard about Dakota and his family’s decision to donate his organs, they were able to give Robert the donor heart.

apost.com

Overwhelmed with his new chance at life, Robert was filled with thankfulness and emotion. He wanted to do something to show the Reid family how much he appreciated their gift. In the recovery at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Robert teamed up with the hospital staff to design an amazing gift for the Reid family.

He got a stuffed teddy bear and, with a little bit of help, created a recording of Dakota’s heartbeat that was then put inside the bear.

Imagine John’s surprise when his wife handed him the stuffed bear along with a note from Robert. The note simply explained that Robert would have liked to present the gift in person but wasn’t sure when it would be possible.

The yellow bear itself was wearing a blue shirt that read “best dad ever”.

With a little prompting, John pressed the bear’s paw to hear the message that it held inside. When he began to hear the familiar thump of his son’s heart, John knew what it was. Realizing that the bear contained the beat of Dakota’s heart in it, John broke down in tears of emotion.

John’s wife stands nearby with a video camera, recording the entire touching event. While nothing will ever replace the son that John lost, we know that he appreciates the chance to get to hear his little boy’s heart and will treasure the bear forever.

What a special way for Robert to show his appreciation for all that this family did for him when they donated Dakota's heart. While it is tragic that Dakota lost his life so young, at least the choice to donate his organs made it possible for others to receive life through his death.