Organ Donation... a Group Discussion

Four days after my husband was admitted to the hospital, all of our family members were finally able to join us to say their final goodbyes. He had been admitted during a massive snowstorm that paralyzed travel for hundreds of miles and many days.

I’d held off the decision to donate Jim’s organs until I was able to confer with everyone, asking them what they felt about organ procurement. I knew in my heart it was important for all of Jim’s loved ones to share their thoughts. My boys and I were not the only ones grieving.

As we placed our chairs at the table, I counted seven grieving relatives who were pondering their beliefs on donating their loved one’s organs. As his wife, I started the discussion by explaining that I had a major decision to make and would like to hear from everyone in the circle. I felt it was important for me, before I made the decision, to hear from each of them. I explained that their views mattered and would be respected.

One by one, each person shared their feelings with the group; some tearfully and others in a matter of fact way. The majority responded by explaining how they personally felt about organ procurement and understood it was essentially my decision to make. One person objected vehemently to the thought of donating his organs after death, but reassured me it was ultimately for me to decide.

Jim and I had never discussed this extremely important topic, but I knew in my heart he would want to help others live a longer and healthier life. It wasn’t until after the decision was made that I heard about Jim’s wishes from his best friend. Much to my surprise he shared Jim’s desire to be an organ donor. Jim had confided in him, just months before, during a motorcycle trip, that he felt strongly about donating his organs... this validated my decision... so the process began.

Blessings Embraced:

• The importance of being heard~heartfelt conversations

• The value of sharing your feelings

Affirmation: I honor and respect the views of others.