don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

Viktor Frankl, in his landmark book Man's Search for Meaning, identified service to others as the surest path to satisfaction in the context of meaning and purpose. I'd like to suggest that signing an organ donor card is a significant form of finding meaning in service to others. Knowing that you might make a final, invaluable contribution to the life of another might very well add meaning to your own existence. The need is great (67,500 individuals in the US alone need an organ transplant, according to respected authorities). Have YOU signed an organ donor card and, if not, are you willing to do so?

I have signed and carry such a card (else I would not have the gall to urge you to do so). My feelings are that, provided I am certifiably deceased, anyone is cordially welcome to one or both of my kidneys and lungs, my tri-athlete heart, my pretty good liver, pancreas, and intestines as well as my skin and bone marrow, heart valves, connective tissue, eyes, ears – you get the picture. All of which reminds me of one of Ashleigh Brilliant's book titles containing a compendium of his assorted 'Potshots'--I'm Not Perfect, But Parts Of Me Are Excellent!

Most people are probably willing to allow their excellent and other body parts to be harvested to help others, but just never get around to making arrangements to ensure that those who could make the most of the fact know their willingness to donate. What I find most curious is that some folks are said to have strong feelings against organ and tissue donation. Who are these people? And what is the nature of their resistance? I think it better to bring these matters out for discussion than to assume that the topic is personal and off limits, sort of like the intimate details of one's sex life or religious beliefs.

Where do YOU stand -- are you comfortable talking about donating your organs and/or raising this topic with others? Or not? If not, why not? I think this is a matter worthy of study by teams of psychologists -- and that the results ought to be widely publicized and discussed. My guess is that ignorance and superstition -- a toxic combination -- are at the root of most resistance to organ donations. Do you think I'm on track here? Or, off the wall, or worse?

Let me know, please -- and comment before tomorrow, if you can, when I intend to offer my own grand wellness organ donor plan of a wellness nature for America.

Meanwhile, always look on the bright side of life. Be well.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MENTAL DOMAIN under the skill area of relationships. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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