Turtle's Funeral

I spent the afternoon today, making Turtle's headstone, and digging a hole for his grave. After I was done with that, I put his body in the ground, and covered it with ash, and the blanket I made him when he was little that had his name stitched into it.

After putting vines and food around him, I called my mother out to let her see the grave, and then she requested to put the dirt in. First, however, we said a prayer over the spot, and then covered him, and lined the grave with rocks.

Ode to Turtle

Today was a wonderful day, until I got home and was told one after another by four different people within 15 seconds of walking in the door, that my bunny had died. The fourth person, being my jerk brother, who is insensitive, sarcastic, and rude.

So, somehow... the door "became open" and the bunny got out. Something must have got him, because he is now dead. I would have preferred that my family left him alone, so that I could deal with him myself. But no, my family prefers to try and be helpful, which is rarely appreciated.

So, here is a picture journal of Turtle's life with me.


Turtle's first day at home!




Turtle's first Easter, shortly after getting him!


Turtle's trip to Church (day before his trip to high school!)


Turtle on his harness and leash running around the yard.
I was going to pull out his harness and let him run around tomorrow...


Turtle on the last day that I held him, and the last day he got one of Emily's home made salads that were just for him.

I love you Turtle, and I shall see you once I have been twinkled.

Organ Donor

Today I became an organ donor! I always wanted to become one, and now I'm 18, and I decided to do it! I feel the love man! Spread the Love and feel the Love!

And if you feel comfortable with it, you should all do it too!!
muah!

Click Here to Register! at OrganDonor.Gov

Cecil O. Samuelson, Jr., Dean, regional representative and physician. February Ensign 1988

Organ transplantation is one of the true medical wonders of our age. Medical science has progressed to the point that the replacement of an injured or diseased body part, such as a kidney, cornea of the eye, heart, liver, bone, bone marrow, skin, or pancreas is becoming fairly common. Most donors plan before they die to give certain organs or tissues. However, some organs—such as kidneys—can be donated to someone in need while the donor is still living.

As is the case with many other scientific developments, there are many questions about organ transplantation that have serious economic, ethical, moral, and religious implications. And, as with many other important aspects of life, we have been counseled to study the information, make decisions, and pray for wisdom about our choices. (See D&C 9:7–9; D&C 58:26–28.)

The Church has taken no official position on organ transplants. It seems obvious, however, that organ transplantation does not affect one’s resurrection, since the organ would soon have returned to the basic elements of the earth following death anyway. Whatever happens to an organ following death, we are promised that “every limb and joint shall be restored to its body, yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost.” (Alma 40:23.)

In the meantime, wonderful blessings have come to thousands of people and to their families through organ donation and replacement. Several doctors who work with transplantation have shared with me inspirational stories and letters from those who have received this special service. Families grieving from the death of a loved one have been greatly comforted by the knowledge that other lives have been saved or measurably improved after receiving a vital organ transplant. Other families have been spared serious illness or death because a living family member was able to donate an organ to a loved one.

As I work with the givers and receivers and see the selfless love that is evident in this gift of life and health, I am often reminded of what Peter and John did when they met the lame beggar as they went into the temple. The lame man asked only for alms but instead was healed. To the one in need, Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee.” (Acts 3:6.)

Those who are considering donating a kidney to a loved one should be aware that only those who meet strict requirements will be considered as donors. Because of careful screening, and because of advances in transplantation techniques, donors do not face the risk they did just a few years ago. A healthy person can give a kidney, for example, and continue to live a normal life, sustained by the remaining kidney.

While the matter of vital organ transplantation remains a highly personal one, it deserves prayerful consideration.