Jennifer Ling's 19-year-old daughter Jasmine became an organ donor in November 2004 after being killed a stray bullet in a drive-by shooting. Recalls Jennifer, "I remembered a conversation I had with her [when] she told me that she would definitely donate her organs. This made the decision so much easier."

Jennifer and Jasmine's Story

My daughter Jasmine was killed in a drive-by shooting in November 2004.

When she was born on August 26, 1985, Jasmine was so beautiful and tiny in my arm. She was such a great baby. She would wake up and lay there on her crib without making a sound until I woke up, then she would make little baby noises and kick her little feet to tell me that it was time for food. She was such a happy child growing up, with lots of fights, love and trust with her brother, who is only 15 months older. She fell deeply in love with her little sister the moment she saw her and had taken very good care of her since then. They took a picture together seven days before the shooting, and Jasmine was happy and vibrant.

During her 19 years, she did have many challenges that shaped her character. As she grew, we found that there was some problem with her hair; she could never have much hair. She got teased because of her condition, but instead of being angry, she found compassion towards others that were in need and being a true friend to many. In her high school years, she channeled much of her energy in swimming and she was doing very well in competition. She was also involved in tae kwon do for two years and received a red belt. She had the drive and discipline always to complete her assignment and she had done that all of her life.

Two weeks before the incident, she told me that she did a psychological test, and the result showed that she had an easy life and was a very easygoing person. I told her that if nothing else, she was very loved by all of us. She was my dearest daughter, friend, fashion police, driver, baby-sitter and assistant.

Heavenly Father gave me such a wonderful gem to take care of, but when He wanted it back, I had a hard time letting it go. Through Jasmine, He tested our faith, our trust in Him, and most of all the love that we have for each other and our Lord. The doctor told me that it is a miracle that she hanged on for so long. Most people do not make it to the hospital with that kind of wound.

I am very sure that she heard me calling her telling her to hang on, as I was not ready to let go of her. Every time when I was at her bedside, I told her that I am not going to make it through if she goes. I am sure she heard me. Heavenly Father had mercy on me, and sent His spirit to comfort me to understand what I supposed to do.

On Tuesday night, two days before she passed away, I gave her a hug as we were leaving and I whispered to her, “Jasmine, you are a big girl now, mommy never forced you to do anything you do not want in all your life and I am not going to do it now. You should talk to Heavenly Father and between you and him, you should decide what to do next. I will be very sad if you decided to go, but I have to do the best for you.”

I felt uneasy as I left the hospital and I just could not go to sleep. The next morning, the doctor called as I was leaving for the hospital, that they had declared her brain dead using a procedure that is approved by the state of California to release the doctors and the hospital’s legal right to further giving life support to Jasmine. On Thursday morning, we said our final prayer and goodbye to her. We were asked if we would donate her organs to other people. I remembered a conversation I had with her in September 2004. She told me that she would definitely donate her organs if they are still usable. She would gladly do that. This made the decision so much easier as I wanted to honor her wish. We also thought that by donating her organs, her mortal body would be able to help other people too, and we were very sure that she would like us to do.

There were 250 came to her funeral and I know that she was so loved by everyone. I also know now that some parts of her lived on and they are helping two families to keep their loved ones with them. I know she is an angel now with Heavenly Father and she will be forever a sweet angel in my heart.