When Melissa Hernandez of Benavides, Texas lost her five-year-old son Mikey in a car crash in 2005, she knew without doubt that she wanted to donate her child's organs so another child would be given the gift of life which was so cruelly snatched from her own little boy.
However up until this year, Melissa did not know who received her son's heart, but upon finding out, she knew she wanted that very special person present at Mikey's sister Monique's birthday celebration.
Speaking to ABC News, Melissa reflected on the child she brought into the world and lost so soon after, saying: "He was a loving child. Anywhere he went he would talk to you and make you laugh and smile. At five-years-old, he captured the hearts of many."
Opening up about her own child's role in this heartwarming story, Cheryl Reeves, of Wichita Falls, Texas told the same news channel that her then eight-year-old daughter Aubrey had received Mikey's heart and one of his kidneys in 2005.
"It was six months of waiting, but they said it was the perfect match. She has not had any problems with her heart. It's just been wonderful," she explained.
After conducting some research, The Hernandez family and Reeves family made the decision to meet - something which Melissa feels gave her closure, saying: "After hearing Aubrey's story, I think we made the right decision to donate Mikey's heart."
Eager to have Mikey's sister share in the revelation, Melissa asked Aubrey to attend Monique's birthday - an event which meant a great deal to both families.
Reflecting on Monique's party, Aubrey's mum recalled: "Monique just embraced Aubrey and I think she whispered 'Don't let go.' Melissa Hernandez put her arms around both of them and I put my arms around Melissa. It was surreal and such a beautiful moment."
Offering her own insight into the bittersweet moment, Melissa said of her daughter: "All she ever wanted was to hear her brother's heart beating again and she got that gift...we both did. She said there was no other gift that we could've given her that was so special, so wonderful."
The bravery of both families is beyond admirable.
