Gift of organ donation can bring comfort and peace
The York Daily Record | Letter to the Editor
As an emergency and trauma nurse for over 23 years, I have had the opportunity to be present in many situations surrounding death. Sharing the final life journey can expose our emotions and vulnerabilities.
Several stories stick out in my memory, mainly accounts with young children and a strong family presence. I find it intriguing that when I think back at the "death moments" I clearly remember what family members were doing at the bedside, what they were wearing or saying, the tears.
I recall going through journeys of grief with families -- holding hands, offering words of comfort and support, listening to stories and memories. I especially remember families who were nearing the final goodbye when they were actually laughing and recalling the good times.
The peaceful goodbyes were often accompanied by the knowledge of the gift of organ donation. Knowing that the loved one's legacy could continue on through the ultimate gift of health and life to another individual and family brought comfort and peace beyond imagination.
As a nurse, I felt blessed to be able to be a part of a team that could offer hope and comfort to people at their ultimate time of despair. I have no doubt that others have shared similar experiences.
On the other side of the spectrum, I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing several organ recipients. The joy and ultimate appreciation of life itself with recipients is unrelenting. The gift of life brings the promise of a future and the fulfillment of dreams.
As an emergency and trauma nurse for over 23 years, I have had the opportunity to be present in many situations surrounding death. Sharing the final life journey can expose our emotions and vulnerabilities.
Several stories stick out in my memory, mainly accounts with young children and a strong family presence. I find it intriguing that when I think back at the "death moments" I clearly remember what family members were doing at the bedside, what they were wearing or saying, the tears.
I recall going through journeys of grief with families -- holding hands, offering words of comfort and support, listening to stories and memories. I especially remember families who were nearing the final goodbye when they were actually laughing and recalling the good times.
The peaceful goodbyes were often accompanied by the knowledge of the gift of organ donation. Knowing that the loved one's legacy could continue on through the ultimate gift of health and life to another individual and family brought comfort and peace beyond imagination.
As a nurse, I felt blessed to be able to be a part of a team that could offer hope and comfort to people at their ultimate time of despair. I have no doubt that others have shared similar experiences.
On the other side of the spectrum, I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing several organ recipients. The joy and ultimate appreciation of life itself with recipients is unrelenting. The gift of life brings the promise of a future and the fulfillment of dreams.
______________________________________________________
"You have the power to SAVE lives."
To register as a donor in California:
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
Outside California:
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net
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