One last gift … for life

After reading Dr. Erik Steele’s column, “Dear valentine – about my heart…” (BDN column, Feb. 17), I was once again forced to revisit a very dark spot in my heart.

Six years ago, my husband and I were involved in a motorcycle accident while on vacation in Florida. We were both signed organ donors and knew each other’s wishes, as did our extended family. Sadly, my husband did not survive the accident and I was left in critical condition. Because there were not family members present who could give their consent at the time, his wishes went unfulfilled. My husband died of severe trauma. In every other aspect he was a strong, healthy man who could have saved numerous lives.

I don’t feel anyone makes the choice to be an organ donor lightly. We make these choices because these decisions could make such an important impact on the lives of many whose time with their loved ones has not necessarily come to an end. Who knows what great things they may go on to accomplish and how many lives they may save.

Most times action to honor the wishes of an organ donor is not taken advantage of because of the overzealous judicial system we have come to bear in this country. I am glad to see Maine is taking steps to protect one’s right to be an organ donor, but we have become a very mobile society, and death often comes when we are not at home.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had the comfort of knowing that no matter where we are on Earth our final wishes would be carried out? Organ donation is our last contribution to this world. No one, not even a loved one, should have the right to reverse this decision. I urge all of you who want to give one last gift back to make your wishes known to all that love you.

Life is a precious gift. Giving life as an organ donor is our last honorable act.

Glee Honders

Verona Island