Donate the Gift of Life by Nancy Dinell

I had no personal experiences with organ donation before 1997. I was aware it could help other people. I dutifully signed the consent on my drivers license. On June 13, 1997, my husband, Leonard died. He had been camping with a dear friend in his favorite place in the world, The Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Our world changed forever that evening.!

Leonard died when a fresh blood clot got stuck in his heart. He was taking a nap in our camper near Des Moines, Iowa on his way back home. His death had to be investigated as it happened on a highway. I calmed down enough to tell the sheriff that he wanted to be an organ donor. An autopsy was being conducted and I was overcome with grief. My best friend and soul mate was never coming home.

Due to a number of reasons, Leonard’s organs could not be donated. He had been dead for too long for his organs to be donated. His skin and bones live on in other people. I know Leonard would have liked helping. He was that kind of man. Organ donation is an act of kindness that may sustain life in countless numbers of people. We are blessed to live in times when organ transplants are possible.

I recently met a man at our church who received a heart transplant. He is a godly kind man with a generous nature. My new friend admitted he intends to live in a way that would make God and his donor’s family proud. I admire his intent and know he will be an example to others.

Being an organ donor can change lives in so many positive ways. If you have not made a decision about it yet, I encourage reading more at http://www.organdonor.gov. In the United States, every day 79 people receive an organ donation. Approximately 18 people die on the waiting list for organ donations.

Organ donation truly is a gift of life. I urge you to make a commitment today. It will save lives.

Be a Blessing,
Nancy ~ Bead Charmer Girl

Nancy is a Christian. Wife. Mom. Step Mom. Adoptive Mom. Creative Soul. Jewelry Designer. Small Biz Owner. Former HR Manager. Advocate for Developmentally Delayed People. Potter. Environmentalist. Future Author. World Traveler. Dreamer. Blogger. Caregiver.