It is "strange" for most to talk about organ donation and possibly seem weird to others that people would be excited about organ donation. The fact remains that we die, people die everyday. What is the old saying? Two things we can't avoid in life - death and taxes. Nathan put this all in words very well on his blog. It is not a celebration of someone's death but the celebration at a chance for life. In Gladiator, Maximus said, "What you do today will echo in eternity." I think Maximus was on to something. Till this event in the life of Tricia I had never given much thought, if any, to being an organ donor or even about the donation process and what that means to someone struggling to live longer. I don't have much I could give anyone in this life but imagine the gift of life my life could give.
That sounds familiar doesn't it. Christ didn't have anything on this earth, not even a place to sleep at night. He was financially poor, lived the humblest of lives, yet gave the greatest gift. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."(Jesus, in John 15:13) Jesus Christ gives the gift of life, real life, life abundantly.
So if praying for Tricia's new lungs feels weird to you, just remember that her new lungs are coming from someone who was thoughtful enough to think ahead and to think of others. Saving a life is an organ donor's desire and wish. We should be thankful for that person and be praying now for their family. How do we pray in this situation? Read this blog for more insight.
3 comments:
The way your family loves each other is just plain cool.
Actually if the donor never made an indication one way or the other the next of kin can make that decision.
Some people talk about it but never get around to making it official.
Spending lots of time in the ER as the fire chaplain has given me numerous opportunities to ask families to consider organ donation.
I agree, Rick. Often times though, some families do not want to make the "donation" decision because they were not sure of their loved ones wishes. Many people, in their shock and grief, want to do what they think their loved ones wanted.
I am so glad there are families like yours that can spread the word about what an AMAZING, selfless, honorable decision it is to donate your own organs upon your death or to make a decision for a loved one to donate if they hadn't!
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