Today is my 7th Birthday

Today is my 7th birthday, my “new” birthday that is. It was 7 years ago today that I once again received the gift of life. A 27 year old was brain dead and her family had the decency to think of others in their time of immense tragedy. Her family, aware of her wishes, agreed to donate her organs to those in need. Through a series of coincidences I was matched to her heart and was blessed by God to receive it.

Long before I ever thought I would be a recipient of a donated organ, I had made the decision to be an organ donor myself. My wife and adult children had also made the same choice. We all knew it was the correct decision and none of us ever questioned our choice. However, we always wondered why anyone would object to being an organ donor.

My belief is that most objections are rooted in urban legend. Misinformation on organ donation is reinforced or created by scriptwriters looking for cheap plot devices for their movies and TV shows. Artistic license rum awry!

Genesis 3:19 reads in part, “…for dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return.” Rather than let organs return to dust, make the effort to help those in need. Commit an act of charity, an act of goodness and help others receive this gift.

Become an organ donor and inform your family of your wishes.

As my favorite bumper sticker reads,
“Don’t take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.”