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Granted, Japanese serials are a tad slower than the more popular K-dramas, but I am a fan of both. They boast of grounded plots enacted with understated sensitivity and finesse that effectively convey powerful yet relatable human desires and emotions, riding past and above all cultural and geographical diversities. I could barely hold back my tears watching the 8-part Nihon dorama (drama), Sayonara no Tsuzuki (Beyond Goodbye), on the terebi (TV).
The backdrop is the sweeping, breathtaking snowy mountains of Hokkaido, where the goofy and vivacious Yusuke had planned a surprise proposal for his girlfriend, Saeko, which nosedived; he died in a snowslide. Saeko falls into deep despair but then find an inexplicable connection to a stranger: the introvert and happily married, young dad, Naruse — who, by a twist of fate, had received Yusuke’s heart and now, eerily echoes her late fiiancé’s memories and personalities.
The love angle was, of course, poignant, but what struck me was that one death meant life for another. It got me thinking that at my death, my kidneys, lungs, corneas, liver, pancreas, intestines, heart valves, heart, tendons, bones, bone marrow, and skin automatically die with me. That’s unless I do my last good deed and even hope to live on in the infants, toddlers, teens, and men and women currently living compromised lives or unnecessarily dying, waiting for any one of those organs, which, if pledged, are priceless to someone else. I also learnt that skin tissue, bone marrow, or one kidney and partial lobes of the liver, lungs, and pancreas can be donated while one is alive, giving a new lease of life to someone else, with the donor able to continue living normally.
Although the topic touches on mortality and our nearing reality, it’s a sensitive issue for us seniors; nevertheless, here below, we’re sharing our thoughts on organ donation:
If it can save lives (or be used for research), then it’s a no-brainer. Dead bodies are burnt and turn into ashes anyway, with or without organs; the soul remains and lives on.
We siblings wanted to honour our mum’s wish, but couldn’t; she was, unfortunately, too old.
Absolutely for it and I intend to very soon (when I have time). I will also be looking into palliative care options, as I don’t want to be bedbound.
It’s a noble deed, and if my organs are viable at that time, then why not recycle?!
Well, It’s the most charitable and highest form of thing to do with no strings attached and no funds or money exchanging hands to help a fellow human.
Otherwise, it’s a good deed; but the thought scares me and so, no, I won’t do it.
When my father passed away, the process couldn’t be done since we siblings couldn’t come to a common decision. So, to avoid confusion and conflict, I’ve decided to register myself at the Chulalongkorn Hospital and make sure to inform my family.
I’ve been considering it seriously, and will soon discuss it with my children.
A must-do slogan, especially for the eyes. My brother and his friends, along with a doctor’s visit at home, where someone had just passed away, requested a donation of eyes. So, when my mom passed away, and being the only sibling there, he took charge and donated her eyes and followed up on who it went to.
Mixed! Very noble but personally quite scared!
Enlightened souls say that it’s only the human life that’s a platform for spiritual growth so what more precious gift can I give when my time is done? I look forward to a new healthy body and another shot at spiritual growth in a more conducive environment.
I’ll donate sight, although I am slightly squeamish about cadaver harvesting.
I wonder if there’s living memory in each of the donated cells and whether they adapt, overpower, or let go of their old ones to take on the new and if that makes organ donations successful.