october 3, 2025 - some days are hard - some days are harder than others

October 3, 2025
I initially wanted to post this yesterday in memory of Kathy Mullen's son, Eric, who has been gone for seven years now. However, Kathy and I took the day off and went on a day-long hike, participating in some other activities that Eric enjoyed. Unfortunately, the celebration of life was also steeped in unexpected sadness with the heartbreaking loss of one of Eric's organ recipients, Dustin King. My prayers of love, healing, and faith go out to his lovely wife, Candice, and to our dear Dustin as he embarks on his next journey. Please read Kathy's words. Massive gratitude to Ross Vannelli, Jim and James Vinyard, and Chris Blackwell for all of their help with Mullen's Miracles. -

Jeff Pike
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October 2, 2025
Eric - 5-22-1992 - 10-2-2018

Every day is hard; some days are harder than others.
10.2.2018 - 7 years today since Eric’s life faded away, yet five others were given the gift of life as organ recipients. Truly the best decision I have ever made, or ever will. God doesn't always prepare us for the hardest things in life. When we feel we can't take any more and are falling apart, a text or a phone call appears, or one of a zillion other things happens.
Today, for me, it is about loss and honoring Eric. As with the past several years, Jeff and I have a wonderful fall day for a hike. One of Eric’s favorite things to do. If I find a heart along the way today, I know who left it.

As for loss, it is often unplanned, and we are unprepared, having to exhaust all our strength to avoid being stopped dead in our tracks. I have been extremely fortunate to have everlasting relationships with the four organ recipients I know. Each of these special souls was tethered to a hospital until the right organ, and, of course, the most critical piece —the match —was perfect. I can't imagine living a life like that, and yet, they all did, until with Eric’s loss, when they found their way back to their homes, families, and a bit more of a normal life.

Eric’s liver recipient, Greg, and his wife went on to have a sweet baby boy, adding to the girls they already have in their family.
Eric’s kidney recipient, Amber, has since gotten engaged. A truly special day, 10-2-21, and I was blessed to be present, capturing the moment as Clayton had planned it.

Eric’s lung recipient, Dustin, and his wife, Candi, have filled their lives with fishing, family gatherings, and time with their pups and friends.

Eric’s heart recipient, Larry, has spent a lot of time with his six children, providing them with love, support, and guidance. He has told me that Eric’s heart, which carries emotion, has made him a kinder and gentler man.

None of their journeys has been straightforward, and yet they are truly the most gracious people, with family as a core value. I am honored to have them in my life - from strangers who would never have met, to a family unit that enriches each other’s lives for eternity. As I stated at the beginning of this note, God doesn't always prepare us for every hard and unexpected experience in life, but I fully believe and trust that, with His love and guidance, we will have what we need.

I received a message from Candi, Dustin’s wife, 2 days ago, asking me to call her. I knew Dustin needed a kidney. I had told her that if the time was getting close and Dustin didn't have a match, to let me know, and I would be willing to test. We laughed about what a story that could be.

God had other plans for Dustin. Candi’s call was to let me know Dustin had died a few hours earlier, in an automobile accident.I was beyond devastated for Dustin, Candi, and their family, and our little family we created through Eric’s organs. I am so honored that Dustin has had a couple of days short of 7 years breathing with perfect lungs. I ask all of you to please pray for Dustin’s family.

As I honor Eric today with things he loved to do—hiking, eating hamburgers, and enjoying Bruster’s Ice Cream —I have a heavier heart for Heaven, gaining another angel.

Ultimately, I gently remind you to live every day to the fullest. Treasure those we love, those who are there for us, and always ask God for His guidance.

Since losing Eric, I know thousands of people have helped me to be where I am in my life today. Each one of you is priceless… always remember that. Jeff and I are off for that hike now.

In gratitude.
Much Love,
Kathy

PS - Just Me- no AI

​www.mullensmiracles.org
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