I’m not actually participating in Clairey Hewitt’s ‘blog every day in May’ initiative, but last night I saw a heap of other posts in line with the day’s theme, “A random act of kindness”.
Something very obvious came to mind but as I’ve written about it a million times (well, two or three times) I was going to pass on this occasion. But then when I woke today it was wafting around my head and I figured that it’s something which could be discussed more anyway.
Organ donation.
Long time readers will know the random act of kindness which changed my life (and that of my family) was the gift of a heart back in 2000. I’ve written before about my father’s heart transplant. And although I have no doubt that his family was dad’s most beloved ‘possession’, receiving the gift of life was (obviously) something he struggled to articulate.
In some ways you’re discouraged to think TOO much about the origin of donated organs. My parents wrote to the anonymous donor’s family thanking them, but it wasn’t until I attended my first Service of Remembrance that the generosity of another human being (and their family) really hit home.
Hearing from both organ donor families and recipients made the circle of life seem even more real.
It was to be my father’s last service as he passed away almost 11 years after receiving the heart of another.
So… as Services of Remembrance again take place around the state and country I wanted to share this reminder to talk to your loved ones about the possibility of organ donation and acknowledge the random act of kindness which changed my life and similar acts which change the lives of many others.
I still say I want to be cryogenically frozen (so I can return at some future date) but have registered as a donor in case my family refuse to follow my wishes! Where do you stand on organ donation?
I’m flogging my blog With Some Grace again today.
May 30, 2014
I have a friend whose father is still alive many years later thanks to a heart donation and another friend who received some much needed organs three years ago. I’ve also been a supporter of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation who encourage discussion of organ donation from children under the age of 16. If anyone wants my organs after I’m gone they’re more than welcome to them, I won’t be using them, but the question is…will my family be in a fit state to remember that? I think I’ve registered but so long ago I don’t recall.
I was also on the register to donate bone marrow but I think I’m too old now.
May 30, 2014
I think that’s why Donate Life suggest people have a talk to their families about the organ donation thing as well as add their details to the register… so if something terrible happened they’d know your wishes.
Of course the fact that my family (collectively) roll their eyes when I remind them I want to be cryogenically frozen means that’s not gonna happen!
May 30, 2014
All my family knows that I’m happy for anyone to have any of my organs. Except for my eyes. – they’ve always been pretty crap and I’d prefer not to give away something that’s defective.
May 30, 2014
Ah yes… some people have issues re donating their eyes though – being windows to the soul and all of that…
May 30, 2014
Wearing my journo hat I have covered this issue SO MANY TIMES! People don’t realise they have to make their wishes known, there are far too people who donate. I want to be a donor, and all those around me know that. But not my eyes, I want them, just in case. xx
May 31, 2014
Ah yes….
June 1, 2014
I think I’d be excluded now due to sarcoma, breast cancer and other genetics but I’m totally for organ donation.