"Do you want to be an organ donor?"
I'm pretty sure the officer behind the counter wondered why I had a puzzled look on my face, but that was the first time I have had that question asked of me. I replied, "I don't know?!" And some of you may think that's crazy to not know, and that I should have been able to reply with an answer — However, I couldn't say yes or no. For a few minutes there was silence and he said, "you don't have to answer yes or no today" and that I could come back in and have it changed at anytime.
Now, please don't judge me, but I'm still having a hard time deciding this. First of all, Terry and I both agree that this is something that we should both discuss with each other. Which we plan to do... but I would love to know your opinion. Yes or No? And how did you decide your answer. Yes, I know this is something that I have to decide for myself, but I would like your thoughts, too.
I've known of people who have been donors after an accident and I've heard of people who have received an organ from someone, but it's not something that I have known first hand.
Did you say yes to that question when you were asked at the DMV office? Did you say no? If you haven't been asked yet, what will you say?? I'm curious to know if anyone else experienced the same feeling of not knowing when they were asked as I did.
I look forward to reading your comments.
I said yes. It was always something I'd thought would be a great thing to do, but after having a very close friend of mine had to have a transplant and is alive today because someone said yes, how could I not?? It's literally the gift that keeps on giving. I understand the hesitation, but after meeting some of the people I have met that have been given the gift of life, I was happy to say Yes!!! I encourage everyone to be an organ/tissue donor!
ReplyDeleteI don't have anything checked on my license, but I think that I would like to check yes. Life is too short and you never know what could happen. I would love to be able to help others if something happened to me and I was able to donate. I also think about if situations were reversed and what if I needed an organ and someone had donated for me. I just think it's a great thing to be able to do.
ReplyDeleteI decided that around age 18. I am an organ donor, I'm on the MS Donor Registry. I'm also listed on Be the Match - the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. And have recently gotten over my fear and became a blood donor as well. If I can help anyone in that way, I'm all for it! You never know how much someone can benefit from your gifts. And organ donations save more than just one life...It's a personal decision, and I won't judge you either way! You have to do what sits best on your heart.
ReplyDeleteI said yes, for several reasons. 1) When I die, I'm going to heaven, and I don't need my organs there. 2) The thought of bugs crawling on my body (even though I'm not really there) creeps me out. 3) I work in the medical profession as well as research and academia profession....seeing people get the call that an organ has arrived that will save their life brings me tears every time. And from a scientific perspective, doctors and nurses can learn from organ donors and improve their skills or improve medicine and techniques that could one day save my hypothetical grandchildren. 4) Lastly, my sister in law has been on a kidney organ donor list for several years now and it is heart breaking to watch her watch her 4 kids play without being able to play with them. We pray for a donor (not that someone would have to die for it, but that there would be healing for her). It's a personal decision that I'm glad you're taking seriously and talking over with your hubby. Take the time you need and you could probably go online and fill in your answer when you figure it out. Happy thinking!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've always said yes. I don't need that kidney (or whatever) after I'm gone. Another life could be saved - someone's child, or a child's parent. I'm so thankful that we have the technology and know-how to help people in this way. I agree with previous posters - it's a great thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI checked yes and it seemed simple to me. Reasons: 1. I'll be gone from this body 2. You can't tell at the funeral home if the person donated or not so it's not upsetting to my family and friends 3. I give away the THINGS - clothing, etc. - I have after I don't need them because I want to help someone else so why not give the organs after I am finished using them.
ReplyDelete4. It is literally a chance to save someone's life. As I read back over them, I know that #4 is the most important reason, but I will admit to being selfish and thinking about #1 and #2 first.
I was very eager to say "yes" to that question when I first got my license at 16yrs old. I didn't know anyone personally who benefited from a donation, but I had heard enough to know it's something I wanted to do. As I've gotten older, I've known friends of friends who have benefited from organ donation. My view of it is, I won't be needing whatever organ it is. I'll be dead. So if one or more of my organs means someone else gets to live another day; grow up; be with their children; it's worth it. I won't need my kidneys or liver or eyes or skin or heart to get around in heaven. I can't take any of my earthly body with me. Also, another way I look at it, Jesus gave up everything for me. Donating an organ is nothing compared to that.
ReplyDeleteAll that being said, I do NOT look down on anyone who chooses not to donate. It's a personal decision.
I didn't get that question at the DMV, but at the emergency room after my husband of 28 years was in an accident that left him with major head trauma...results no brain activity. The Gift of Life program came in and discussed donating his organs to help others. Talk about having to have an instant decision...but it needed to be made. We had never discussed this, but I decided it would be the best way to preserve a part of his body for someone who needed it. My memories of him wouldn't be affected. Now, after 14 years I'm so very glad that was my decision. Go with you 'gut' !
ReplyDeleteI asked if I could be an organ donor when I first got my license. It's an act that won't affect me, but could possibly save or prolong another's life.
ReplyDeleteI said Yes! and in the fall, myself and many other medical field students will be learning about the body first hand thanks to the many organ donors who donated not just their organs but their bodies to science.
ReplyDeleteI said yes. I like commenter Dana's reasons above, especially #3. That said, I have a very close friend who is not a donor, and I don't judge her. It's a very personal choice.
ReplyDeleteI said yes the first time I was asked, which was when I got my permit 6 years ago. There was no other answer for me in my mind.
ReplyDeleteChad's cousin is alive today tosee her daughter grow up because someone said yes. We thought we'd lost her! So... Yes! Without a doubt!
ReplyDeletePeople who have checked "No" can tell you that there are more people who have, than are represented by your comments. Say "No" and let your next of kin know that you are not actually opposed to donating. That way, you can die when God decides and then donate, not when some doctor decides because you are going to donate. Since I am posting this as Anonymous, you can see what a touchy subject this is.
ReplyDeleteThey did not ask me the last time I renewed. Strange! But, I do have an organ donation card in my wallet & Jeremy knows I want to be an organ donor. Even though it's on your license, make sure Terry & your family know your decision (either way.) God forbid something ever happen.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to be an organ donor, but I can't. The reason you ask.. I have Cystic Fibrosis, it is a recessive genetic disease which affects the entire body, (mostly the lungs) causing progressive disability and often early death. The current live expectancy is 37. I am 36 years old and I am currently waiting on a lung transplant at UAB. I have been married for 16 years and have the most wonderful 10 year old son in the world. I pray that you and all of your readers would consider becoming an organ donor. Thanks for bringing the topic up for discussion. I love reading your blog. We live right outside of Meridian.
ReplyDelete