Saturday, December 14, 2013

The Tree Of Life

In a building in Roanoke Virginia, all by itself, stands The Tree Of Life. It is such an important tree that this letter of explanation hangs beside it. See the Tree Of Life and cry while you rejoice. Why? Because each person's picture is someone who saved another by dying. Each ornament is either a picture of the giver of life, or something meaningful to them. Of course I am talking about organ doners. Looking at the tree is both sad and joyous. As you know, adults have to sign a form if they want to be a doner. But there is a new law they are trying to change that everyone is an automatic organ doner unless you sign a paper stating that you do not want to be. What are your thoughts on this? In Virginia, over 670 lives were saved in one year by doners.


 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3



29 comments:

Reanaclaire said...

Such noble people, those who donate their organs to save another life is a life saver.. God bless those who love his neighbor...

MadSnapper said...

that tree is amazing and beautiful, both the look and the sentiment behind it...i had donor on mine, but the last time i went to ER i said to the woman, i have a living will. i do NOT want to be put on a ventilator. she said you do realize your license says you are a donor and the only way to donate is to keep you alive with a ventilator... i removed it from my license.

Anni said...

What a wonderful concept!! I for one would be more than happy to know that any part of me as a donor would help another live. Why would it bother anyone when you're no longer living and breathing...to help someone else live a full life?!!

By the way Ginny, the snipe photos I posted, you had misread my commentary...they DO have a beak used as a mouth like any other bird...it's that their beak tip is flexible so they don't have to open it wide to feed.

From the Kitchen said...

The greatest gift one can give. I'd support being a donor unless stated not to be on the D.L..

Best,
Bonnie

Alice said...

The tree is very sadly beautiful. I don't know how I feel about the proposed law change. I'll have to think about that.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Wow what an incredibly emotional and beautiful idea for a tree...this post really touched me...

Ruth Kelly said...

I love that you have all those cherished memories of photos on your tree. I have two that I found this year in my Christmas decorations which I had completely forgotten that I had.

Linda said...

Such a beautiful and touching post, Ginny!

Gail said...

I am a donor and hope in my death I can help someone.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a fantastic idea... YES---those were lives saved by others. I wish everyone would donate their organs... That's such a great cause...

Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
Betsy

Annie Jeffries said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Annie Jeffries said...

The new law will be coersive, as many of our laws across the country are becoming. It may be just a detail of switching the order of agreement or declining but the devil is in the details. Just as many people don't become organ donors because they just don't think about it, other people, who would not want to be a donor, will not say so.

Ela said...

Such a beautiful Christmas tree and lovely decorations
Greetings

Chatty Crone said...

I am always amazed at what all you have around your area and this time it is not any different - your area is amazing. I don't mind being an organ donor - but you have to be kept alive - that is what I don't want. sandie

Ruth Hiebert said...

Organ donors save a lot of lives.I personally know of some people who have lived for many years after receiving a donor organ.

Unknown said...

I love the idea of being an organ donor. What a special tree, thanks for sharing it Ginny! I guess Jesus was the ultimate organ donor wasn't he? He died so we could have new hearts.

Rose said...

I must admit I have mixed feelings...not sure why. But I do.Yet I think I would be ever so thankful if I had someone in need of an organ.

Cindy said...

Such a wonderful tree and to stand before it, it must have been touching.

SquirrelQueen said...

What a wonderful tree. So many lives have been saved or improved by the generous individuals who choose to donate their organs.

Yes, I am a donor, it is on my driver's license.

S. Etole said...

What mixed emotions the tree must elicit.

Mary Bergfeld said...

Thank you for sharing this with us, Ginny. I am the recipient of corneal transplants so I understand just how great these gifts are. Hugs and blessings...Mary

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, I like people actively choosing. Just my own opinion. Great picture of that wonderful tree - both in looks and symbolically. Have an excellent day today!

Tamago said...

What a beautiful tree and moving post!

LC said...

Beautiful and meaningful tree. I did not know about that law.I agree with wildlifewatcher.

George said...

I've been an organ donor for many years, and I wish more people would agree to be a donor. However, I don't really like the idea that people should be forced to be organ donors unless they sign out of it.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a beautiful tree. Where is it in Roanoke?

I guess I don't see why you wouldn't want to be an organ donor, but it's your body, so I also think you have the right to say no.

MLM247 said...

What a wonderful tree.
Organ donation is actually not possible where I live although people do sign up to be donors. If you are to donate a kidney, which is the most common here, you both go about five thousand kilometres away to a hospital that has the facilities. It might or might not still be a secret that you are donating a kidney; families often match. No lives lost.
To donate organs automatically is a wonderful idea and I think it should receive a five year trial. After that a more permanent decision could be made based on results and opinions.

Dee said...

I think it is a good idea...some people want to donate but just do not get around signing up.

LV said...

I never knew this. What a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing this with us.

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