Garrett gave life to others after his death. On his birthday, his mom asks you to do the same.

I can still feel his tiny hands on my cheeks — warm, soft, and slightly sticky. My son once told me he picked me from a flower patch to be his mommy. I was the lucky one.

Garrett should be celebrating his 22nd birthday on May 19. Instead, just four weeks ago, my sweet boy left this earth after being struck by a car while away at college. I’m living a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

There isn’t much I can do to escape the nightmare. But one thing that is holding me up is knowing Garrett’s goodness lives on in the three critically ill people he saved through organ donation, and the many others who will be healed through his tissue donation.

Garrett’s life exemplifies “FOMO” (fear of missing out) in the best possible way — never wanting to miss a moment of fun, and always giving of himself freely, especially when sharing his unforgettable smile. Growing up, he would walk around singing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story. The song now holds a new meaning, and continues to resonate in every conversation I have with his many, many friends.

When Garrett was applying for his driver’s license at 16, we discussed organ donation. He, without hesitation, said yes. That was Garrett. Always giving to others, without question.

At the time, I had no idea — and I assume many others don’t, either — that when someone dies, if you’re fortunate like I was, there’s a family of experts who can embrace you and help you through. I was so lost and devastated, struggling to accept the reality along with the dozens of family and friends who lined the hospital hallways with us.

The nurses, doctors, staff, and specialists at Paoli Hospital, and the team at Gift of Life Donor Program that coordinated Garrett’s donations, embraced us, guided us, and gave meaning to our pain. They were people I didn’t know existed or that I needed. Until I did.

The team at Paoli did everything possible to save Garrett. As we realized he could not be saved, I remembered a colleague’s loved one, who also died in a tragic accident. It reminded me instantly: He’s an organ donor!

Knowing time was critical, I told his nurses immediately. In what seemed like seconds, Sara Walters, a transplant coordinator from the Gift of Life Donor Program, appeared like an angel. She walked beside us and held me as I grappled with the shock and grief of losing him.

They made sure I wasn’t alone up to the moment Garrett was wheeled into the operating room for his organ recovery. And their compassion didn’t end there. Sara sat beside me during Garrett’s memorial service at his college, West Chester University.

Gift of Life showed me that Garrett’s legacy did not end with his life. It lives on in the people he saved. That gives our family a sense of peace, and our loss a sense of purpose.

It gives me some solace to know that while I said goodbye to Garrett, another family received the news that their loved one would live. One hundred thousand people are waiting for organs in the United States today. Those statistics have faces and families, parents and children, hopes and dreams.

There were so many times in his life when I burst with pride at Garrett’s achievements. Those now include the moment when I learned three people would live because of him.

I have heard some people may be hesitant or even scared to be organ donors. They worry doctors won’t fight as hard to save them. I can tell you firsthand that isn’t true.

Others fear that organ donation could make their deaths harder and more painful for their families. Again, I can assure you: It is exactly the opposite. Organ donation means Garrett’s spirit, compassion, huge heart, and beautiful blue eyes live on and bring other families joy.

This year, Garrett won’t receive a card or a rendition of “Happy Birthday” from our family, his friends, or fraternity brothers. But I’m asking that we give him a different kind of gift: #BeLikeGarrett. Be kind. Be selfless. Register as an organ donor. Talk to your family about your decision.

Garrett, my sweet boy, I will spend the rest of my life encouraging everyone to be like you. And one day, I’ll meet you in our flower patch. #BeLikeGarrett.

Traci Hafner is Garrett Nicholas’ mother and a consulting art director. She lives in Walnutport, Pa.