Couple says son’s death was part of a larger purpose

Local News

August 18, 2008

Michael J. Ross The Times-Recorder Mon Aug 18, 2008, 11:42 PM EDT

Preston — Polly and Terry Adams said the grief counseling group “Grief Share” at First Baptist Church of Americus has really helped them cope with the death of their son, Clay, who died eight months ago during a work-related accident.

Terry Adams said Grief Share gives people the opportunity to share stories of their deceased loved ones and share their feelings. He said group members even sometimes cry together.

Terry Adams said there is no shame and weakness in crying, and it is part of the grieving process and healing process. Polly Adams begin crying Friday as she talked about her son, but she said they were tears of love for Clay.

“I love telling people about Clay,” she said. The Adams family said their son was a very spiritual person and had a passion for helping others. They said he found comfort by attending church on a regular basis.

They said 18-year-old Clay was very adamant about being an organ donor, and his organs saved the lives of several people after his death. Polly and Terry Adams said their son’s “gift of life” to others have reinforced their advocacy of organ donating.

They said they knew for sure their son’s death was part of a larger purpose when his heart was a perfect match for a 60-year-old man that Clay went to church with. The Adams family and the man are members of the same church, Morris Baptist Church.

“Clay had actually prayed with this gentleman that God would heal him,” said Polly Adams. The Adams family requested, after Clay’s death, that tests be done to see if Clay’s heart was a match for the man, and the heart was a perfect match.

Polly Adams says the heart recipient is very thankful, and she told him a few weeks ago at church that Clay would have been 19 years old August 1. The man said with a smile, “Well, I guess I have a 19-year-old heart now.”

Clay’s mother and father said they have no doubt their son is with God. The Adams family asks everyone to consider becoming organ donors. They said a person must inform their relatives of his or her desires to be an organ donor.

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