When Monique Salinas turned 15 years old, she knew she was in for the party of a lifetime. Her parents spared no expense in throwing her a big birthday party, celebrating her life and entrance into young womanhood. But there was a much bigger surprise waiting for Monique at the party — and this one will bring a tear to your eye. This is the story about how one family’s sacrifice ended up changing the lives of another, and how one day, all of this pain and sacrifice converged to create a beautiful friendship and bond that will never be broken. Read about the Salina family, and their journey through tragedy, below.For awhile, the pair were very close.
About a decade ago, Monique’s brother Mikey was killed in a car accident.
At her party, there was an honored guest that Monique couldn’t have dreamed of.
Mikey’s heart went to a little girl named Aubrey Reeves.
In fact, Mikey’s heart was a perfect match for her.
Without his perfect heart, Aubrey may not have survived.
It was a surprise for the birthday girl, and a moving one. Monique’ parents said: “the heart of Monique’s dead brother, Mikey, is in the middle of the room, and is alive and beating in the chest of a young girl.”
Monique was incredibly happy to feel her brother’s heart beating, and felt as though Mikey was, in some way, there with her.
And it’s not the kind of reunion you hear about every day.
Naturally, emotions were running high that day.
After all, Mikey’s heart beats on inside of her.
It’s hard to believe that such tragedy could create something so beautiful, but this group of brave people are proof that light can be found in the darkest of corners.
