Hilda A. (Lou) Upchurch
This is in memory of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, minister, and friend to all. Known by everyone as “Lou, she enjoyed life to the fullest. Not a day went by that she didn’t thank God for another day. She often talked of her past times, about the goodness of the Lord and how someday she hoped to be able to bless someone, and how good God had been to her and the family. She always gave a word of encouragement to anyone who thought nothing was going their way.
Lou was not a person looking for fame or fortune. Her favorite saying was “I am not a rich person but the little I have, I’m willing to share with you.” As our mother’s gift of sight shines on, remember it wasn’t only the gift of sight – she also wanted to be a blessing to someone in need.
M – is for all the great memories
I – is for the inspiration you gave
S – is for the shining smile we’ll never forget
S – is for the soft spoken words of encouragement
I – is for the integrity you generated in each of us
N – is for the never ending void that cannot be filled
G – is for the precious Gift of Sight
Y – is for your always being there for us
O – is for being such an outstanding mom and friend
U – is for understanding, when no one else seemed to figure it out
The North Carolina Eye Bank takes great pride in our ability to share the gift of sight with thousands of people every year through corneal transplant, research and education. This gift does not come without a price. We must remember that for each grateful recipient of a transplanted cornea or medical breakthrough achieved, there is a family who is struggling with the loss of a loved one. These are the stories and remembrances of their family members — the faces of donation.
The 2003 Faces of Donation