Because of death, we appreciate life #4

As humans most of us want to leave a legacy; we want to leave the world a slightly better place because we were here. Some get to see their legacy while they are alive; they see the difference in the community around them. Patriarchs and Matriarchs of families will see it in the future generations of children, grandchildren, and maybe even great-grandchildren.

But there are legacies we can all leave. These are legacies that will live on through people we may not even meet. And that legacy can be found by looking within; literally. As humans, we are the only ones that may be able to support someone, when their bodies are failing. Maybe not those in mature years, but those, through no fault of their own, need medical intervention.

The first way is through blood donation. This is a very practical way of making a huge difference in the life of another who is desperately in need of additional blood. Now, having donated whole blood, and plasma a few times myself, I need to warn you that the needles are not the smallest. They need to be of a size to enable a donation to be made successfully. So if you have a real ‘thing’ about needles, it may not be for you; however, if you want an opportunity to get over your fear, because it will only be a matter of time when you will need to confront it, blood donation is a wonderful way to get over that fear, while making a positive difference to someone else. Staff at the Red Cross are really conscious of the effect needles have on people, and are so experts on their use, and the after donation snacks are pretty good, making the visit worthwhile.  Make a booking today.

The second is organ donation. Nothing tells the power of donation better than seeing the positive effect. Watch this video to see a heart warming story of a heart donor meeting the donee’s family. The story does need any further explanation, but to say through the selfless act, life is able to continue through another. Tragedy has turned into a marvelous hope.

If the idea seems ‘a bit of a thing’ maybe consider that if you are no longer here, you will have no further use for you organs. To me, therefore, it makes sense to be on an organ donation register. It is a way of leaving a lasting legacy. One thing I would say is to let those close to you know. The last thing they would want is to have this thrust upon them in those tragic moments after death. Conversation on such matters, before the event, is very important.

So both blood and organ donation are positive legacies you can leave. Blood and plasma donation right now, and organ donation when you no longer need you organs. These are my thought anyway; I hope they have been thought provoking for you as well.

The commentary in this blog is intended to be general in nature. It is just some observations from one fellow traveller in life to another. If anything in this blog raises issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or consult with a trusted medical professional.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash