To give or not to give (updated)

Hubs and I recently got new Kansas Driver's Licenses. I actually liked my Nebraska picture, so it was kind of a bummer. Anyways, they of course asked the question, "Do you want to be an organ donor?"

To me, the response is automatic, "Yes."

To some, however, it seems to be a bigger, more thought-provoking decision. Hubs and I have discussed our reasons, but I am appealing to you as to why you have or have not decided to donate your organs after your death. 

I would love to hear your thoughts. Was this a hard decision to make? Why did you decide to donate, or why did you decide not to donate? 

I have mine all written out, but I don't want to suppress any discussion that may occur, so I will update this post later.

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My Thoughts:

Two people were brave enough to put their reasons out there. Thank you! I REALLY don't think there is a right or wrong answer here. Each person has their convictions and their feelings on this subject and that is what works for them. I just think it is an interesting subject.

I have always been of the mindset that I am obviously not using my organs when I am dead, so why not give them to someone who needs them. I never really gave any thought to the process of "harvesting" my organs because it happens when I am dead. Side note: Laura gave me something to think about regarding the heart issue - I wasn't completely aware of how soon heart is needed after death. However, if the only way I am alive is by machines, I want Hubs to take me off the machines. If I cannot live without them, I (being very practical) see no reason to waste money keeping me alive. Instead, I am okay with them doing what they need to in order to take my heart. But, maybe I trust their opinions more than I ought.

So, the main permeating reason I have for being an organ donor is that I believe I am not, nor will I ever, use those organs again. That body is simply going to rot in it's coffin or burn to ashes (I don't really care). So, if my cornea, my kidney, my liver, or whatever else can be used to save someone, please take it! 

I guess I am kinda odd. I have never had any problems talking about me when I am dead or dying. Perhaps I just talk big and it would all change if it were Hubs lying there, but I have truly always felt this way about my death.

If I die young and healthy, I want my organs to be donated. If I die old, nobody will want them anyways. I do have one request, though. I don't know if this can happen, but I hope that Hubs or a family member can meet or write the people who get my organs. I hope that he can tell them that I had no fear in dying and I hope he can tell them how they can have the same assurance through salvation in Jesus Christ. If my dead body parts could be used to share the gospel, for even one person to believe in Christ as their Savior, I can see no reason not to give up my organs.

In the smoker's corner

Last year, during the first snow storm of the year, I ended up parking on the top floor of the parking garage. After work, I waded through the snow and wind to clean off my car. The very next day, I paid for a reserved spot on the 3rd floor, 1 quick flight of stairs to the entrance to my building.

With the $10/month I pay for my reserved spot, I never have to remember where I parked at the end of the day (if any of you know my short-term memory, you know what an issue this can be). I never have to battle the rain or the snow or the heat. I have the comfort of knowing exactly where I will park each and every day.

I also get something extra with my $10/month. I get a car that reeks of smoke. You see, there is a sign in our parking garage that instructs smokers to smoke on the 3rd floor so that employees do not walk through a cloud of carcinogens to get to their vehicles. That is a great benefit to those who do not park on the 3rd floor. Each evening, if I don't first walk through fresh smoke to get to my car, I get in my car and am assailed by stale cigarette smoke. And, if I plan an appointment for mid-morning or mid-afternoon, I get to maneuver my way through what could only be called a smoker's lounge (since there are too many to fit stay in the designated corner), holding my breath as I quickly walk through, to get to my already smoke-smelling car.

I don't blame the smokers because they are smoking in their designated area. It is completely my fault for taking a spot on the 3rd floor. But, what I do find strange everytime I walk by is how incredibly odd it is that the people who have developed a completely nasty habit can take 3-5 10-minute smoke breaks to read their novel or catch up on the latest gossip while those of us who refrain from smoking a cancer-stick work through those multiple breaks.

I guess smoking must make a person 30-50 minutes more efficient than the rest of us.

(And yes, I do realize that I have now completely lost any readership that currently smokes.)