Losing a parent is a pain like no other.

But sometimes, in death, there can be new life. And for four sisters, the loss of their father gave them a chance to help others.

And after donating his heart, they got a gift they never expected – a chance to hear it beat once more.

Esteban Santiago was only 39 when a sudden medical emergency left him in a coma. After having to make the hard choice to take him off of life support, his oldest daughter, Kisandra Santiago donated his organs, like he had always wanted.

Now, nearly four years later, the search for who received his heart finally came to an end.

This is something that my dad would be so happy to see,” the Connecticut resident said.

The loss of their father was one of their hardest days, said Esteban’s youngest daughter, Kianna Santiago.

Kisandra and Esteban Santiago. Photo courtesy Santiago family

But, that single choice to donate his heart gave another man, Peter Turzer, a new chance at life.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him,” he said.

After a car accident in 2016, Peter suffered multiple cardiac arrests during emergency surgery for the injuries he had suffered. He managed to survive open-heart surgery and a coma. But, later health issues led to him having a leg amputated, and having to go on the heart transplant list.

Finally, Peter said, the call about a new heart came through. The surgery was a success.

“Every day I wake up, and my hero is up above,” he said. “It’s such a loving, blessing thing that God has given us, and I don’t take it for granted by any means.”

Through a service that helps connect donor’s families with organ recipients, Kisandra and Peter were finally able to talk to each other.

At first, the families were only able to text and call each other. Peter, who had moved to South Carolina, wasn’t able to travel to visit. Until now.

The Santiago children and Peter Turzer. Photo by NBC Connecticut

It had been nearly four years since Esteban’s death, when the girls and Peter finally met in person.

Through tears, the girls were able to hear their father’s heart once more.

“To hear his heart, it is like he is here. Just to hug Peter, it felt so natural. It felt like I was hugging dad,” Kianna said.

It just felt like home.”

Peter reassured the girls that their father was still with them. “He is still part of us, and you can count on it. I’m not going anywhere.”

Kisandra said that her father talked about donating his organs, and had even once said that he hoped his heart would be given to someone who was caring and kind.

“Clearly … we met Peter, and he is exactly what my dad would have wanted,” she said. “I bet he is so happy to be saving someone’s life. I just know. I get that feeling.”

And for Peter, it gave his life a new purpose to finally meet his donor’s daughters. “I have another family in my life now,” he said.

They all hope that their story will push others to consider organ donation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that there are more than 100,000 people waiting on the transplant list. Nearly 17 die each day, waiting on a transplant. A fact that isn’t lost on Peter.

“Every day I wake up and my hero is up above,” he said. “It’s such a loving, blessing thing that God has given us and I don’t take it for granted by any means.”

For a look at the heartwarming meeting, watch below.

Sources: Today | NBC Connecticut