Selfless

Gifts are absolutely precious. We see them being given away every day. From one friend to another. From a sibling to another. From a child to his parent. Whether a silk tie from a loved one or a vial of cologne from a sister, we all cherish the gifts that we receive. And yet it's a rare occasion indeed that we find someone willing to give selflessly to a stranger.

Although the nascent organ donation campaign in our country still has the occasional minor hiccups ( usually due to a lack of manpower and resources ), there is no doubt that it has done a world of good, bringing hope and a better life to all those desperately ill and in need. In the few years I've been in the medical service, I've been lucky enough to be at hand at two of such selfless acts.

And selfless it certainly is. To give up parts of ourselves so that others can continue is certainly a humanitarian feat that we can all applaud wholeheartedly. What more when most of the suitable organ donors are vital, promising youths who have been literally robbed at their prime due to unforeseen circumstances. Generally it falls to our lot as the caretakers of the intensive care unit to do the counselling for the recently bereaved. Speaking to the family about organ donations at the time when they're still largely shell-shocked with grief always strikes me as a trifle abrupt ( and always leaves me with a significant tickle in my throat ) - and yet there is very little precious time left before the entire body shuts down after the soul has departed and the selfless act itself becomes largely futile.

Just a week back, a 19 year old student diagnosed with a debilitating brain tumour passed away tragically - but not before he donated pieces of himself to help at least 35 other people live on. Teoh Chit Hwa. Hopefully his gifts are well utilized by those who are well deserving since they're the ones entrusted with carrying his well wishes into the future.

"It is a far, far better thing that I do now, than I have ever done before;
it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known before."