In Eternity We Will Not Need Our Earthly Bodies

“The Gospel of life is to be celebrated above all in daily living, which should be filled with self-giving love for others. Over and above such outstanding moments, there is an everyday heroism, made up of gestures of sharing, big or small, which build up an authentic culture of life. A particularly praiseworthy example of such gestures is the donation of organs, performed in an ethically acceptable manner, with a view to offering a chance of health and even of life itself to the sick who sometimes have no other hope.”

- Pope John Paul II 

   It is National Donor Sabbath Month (among about 50 others), but as you know, this one is particularly special to me.  I still do not know anything about my donor except that he was 19 years old and lived in Texas.  He and his family certainly showed "self-giving love" when they chose to donate his organs. 

 
Are you a donor?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Since this is my blog, I guess it can be my soap box, too!   :)  There are a lot of myths that are out there that stop people from registering to be a donor. 

The sole focus that doctors and medical staff have when treating a patient in critical care is their survival.  They will not withdraw treatment prematurely or minimize their efforts if they know you are a organ donor.  There are laws about the kinds of tests that must been administered and procedures that must be followed in order to declare a person legally dead and potentially eligible to donate their organs.  The doctor caring for you has nothing to do with organ donation.  You can actually list the circumstances in which you would be willing to be a donor.  It is important to do this, so your family does not have to make this difficult decision under tragic circumstances.

Most major religions either agree with organ donation and encourage it, or they leave the choice up to the individual. I wrote an article on Examiner.com listing some of the philosophies and official statements regarding organ donation. 

http://www.examiner.com/special-needs-parents-in-new-orleans/religion-is-seldom-a-hindrance-organ-donation


It will not prevent an open-casket funeral, if that is what you and your family desire. As for me, cremate me (My second public declaration just in this blog!). Mom, I know you don’t want to talk about this, but I really don’t want everyone hanging out and looking at my dead body. I will be celebrating in Heaven, but if anyone would like to look at me, I will provide a photo (of my choice) for your viewing pleasure.

"Former things will pass away, all things will be made new."

Much love to you all~Thank you for allowing me to share my passions and for joining me in this journey!