I made it out of Columbus Wednesday night. The roads were fine but I could see on the median where some cars had crossed into the grass either from a driver deciding that they wanted to go a different direction from accidents or emergency vehicles. Regardless, there were a lot of tracks in the median on the roughly, three hour drive home.
I wasn't able to talk to many people, except for the waitress at Red Robin. Then there was so much work piled up for me, I didn't even really take lunch when I got back to the office. It's been eleven days since I have been able to get a portrait for the One-A-Day-2007 project. That doesn't bode well for my ratio of portraits days to non portrait days. But I have been able to talk to a few people. There was the couple at the book store cafe, the girl at Red Robin and I was able to talk to a couple of donut makers today. One was not an organ donor. She doesn't even have a drivers license yet. The other was an organ donor. I asked why and how she came to the decision of being an organ donor. She said that it was the right thing. When she dies, she can't use the organs so they might as well go to some good for someone else. I wanted to talk to her more, but she went to attend to paying customers.
The non donor, was still available so I chatted with her about a few things. One was that when she does get her license, and if she decides to be a donor, she must discuss it with her family. She did go on to say that she had heard hat if you are in an accident and end up in a coma, the doctors will not save you so they can take your organs. I replied to the contrary but with a caution. I am sure it could have happened and it can happen. My reality of it is that even a doctor doesn't know if any organs are viable to transfer so the risk of letting someone die with the possibility of a transfer is way too risky.
The fear of doctors letting you die to take your organs is a common theme I hear so many times. Like everything, if something is repeated often enough, it "becomes truth". I hope and trust that the information I repeat is true and factual. It's very important to me that there is some integrity to my project.
Since I have reduced altered my focus of the One-A-Day-2007 project. I am concentrating on the message of organ donation with the hope I can get a photo. But it's not the primary goal now. I did pick up a digital voice recorder so that if I get the opportunity to do an interview, I can record it to get better stories and ensure I can quote people accurately.
Again, accuracy and integrity is paramount.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Bright and beautiful
For a few weeks, I have been wondering if my desire for approaching people for portraits has waned. Well, I know it has. I was using the excuse of organ donation to get up the nerve to get street portraits. A guise that I knew would come to bother me like a sliver of fiberglass in the palm of your hand.
I am combining two in to one. I am passionate about photography. I have been for well over twenty years. I am a heartfelt crusader for organ donation. I know that regardless of the number of people I talk to, we will always have tens of thousands of people waiting for organs and there will thousands that will never get them.
As a photographer. I will probably never become a true professional. One that can actually pay a mortgage and a car payment with my photography. I enjoy it too much. If it weren't for the good senses of my wife, I would be a starving artist.
While in Columbus, I have not had much of an opportunity to discuss organ donation. Last night I was able to eat dinner via the drive through of White Castle. I won't return.
Today, I was suppose to return home but the Alberta Clipper brought several inches of snow with her.
We sat in the conference room, watching the sky turn from light, to gray, to dark gray. Then the flurries blew in. Lightly at first, then as the clock ticked by the snow accumulated more and more. The flakes got big and crunchy when the temperature dropped and as they piled up, inch, by inch, by inch.
When I was able to venture outside. The ground was covered with about 4 inches of large pristine ice crystals. It was almost a disappointment to have to walk through the beautiful pearl carpet of snow. I stepped solemnly through the parking lot. Hearing the snow crunch and compress under my shoes.
Swoosh, crunch. Swoosh, crunch. Everything else was silent.
After I cleaned off my car, I drove off into the night watching the snow flakes streak towards me like stars in warp drive. The streets were still busy with drivers crawling slowly through the mush.
Since it was only 9:00 I decided to try for a better destination than last night. Restaurant after restaurant was closed. Dairy Queen, Panda Express and Smokey Bones were all dark void of cars or signs of night life. I decided on an all time favorite. RED ROBIN. Oh yeah!
I pulled around the lot and saw that there were only a few cars in the parking lot. I am sure they were mostly employees. I went in anyway, HOPING they would still be serving. I was in luck. There was a family in a booth and two guys at the bar. The two at teh bar appeared to be travelers like myself, but they were engaged in conversation of various topics from drilling in the arctic to sports scores. I wasn't able to see or hear much of anything from the family since they were behind me. The hostess did inquire about their unexpected long weekend resulting from cold weather canceling schools in the area. I think I probably heard them say they were happy about it, but perhaps that was my own kids answering the question.
Shortly after, she arrived to tend to me and inquired about my drink of choice. "Sprite please" and a "Whisky River BBQ, no pink, no onion straws" I replied back.
Off she went to fulfill my order. "I heard her say "One burger, no pink" to the cook. It's amazing what you hear when the ground is covered with snow, late at night.
I had a new issue of RangeFinder magazine that had an article about street photography. I thought I should read it to see if there is anything I was doing wrong. or to confirm what I am doing right and if the results are what's expected.
Being a visual person by nature, I paid attention to the only other person that was paying attention to me. She was slender and perky with a very nice attitude. She had short dark hair in a bob style cut. Her eyes are hard to explain. They didn't glow, nor did they pierce. Perhaps they were simply understated by her great lips, her jawline and cheekbones and her smile. That smile just seemed to come naturally. Her facial features just exuded a classical look. Sort of like a portrait Clarence Bull took of Audrey Hepburn. She had "that look".
Well, in my mind any way.
When "J" brought my burger and bottomless steak fries I eagerly dove in. Later, after she brought my second Sprite, she asked if there was anything she could get for me.
Well......"I could use a subject for a portrait."
Of course, that isn't what anyone expects to hear. So she stopped long enough to let me give her a card and explain my organ donation awareness project. She volunteered that she is a donor in which I inquired as to why she decided that route. "It's the right thing to do" "J" replied. Over our course of conversation, I learned she is also a plasma donor. She also believes that if we can't use them after we are dead, then we should leave something behind to help others.
We discussed about making sure family members are aware that it's our desire to be an organ donor. Something that many people still don't realize. you must discuss it with the people that can stop your wishes from being carried out. Another subject was the potential for abuse in a near end of life situation. In aspect of a person being in a near death situation being neglected so that the organs can be harvested.
It's a common fear. While I cannot say for a 100% certainty that it hasn't happened. Nor can I say that it won't happen. The decisions to save a life or stop care for a life are made by humans that are not perfect. But if it were me and my life was that close to the end, do I really want to be brought back to life to continue to be in a questionable physical state? I am not sure I would want to. Again, I have to trust that the doctors and my next of kin will be able to make the right decisions in that situation.
After all, "J" too declined my request for a portrait. I did bring it up again as I was leaving, but she appeared pretty concerned. I understand.
I am combining two in to one. I am passionate about photography. I have been for well over twenty years. I am a heartfelt crusader for organ donation. I know that regardless of the number of people I talk to, we will always have tens of thousands of people waiting for organs and there will thousands that will never get them.
As a photographer. I will probably never become a true professional. One that can actually pay a mortgage and a car payment with my photography. I enjoy it too much. If it weren't for the good senses of my wife, I would be a starving artist.
While in Columbus, I have not had much of an opportunity to discuss organ donation. Last night I was able to eat dinner via the drive through of White Castle. I won't return.
Today, I was suppose to return home but the Alberta Clipper brought several inches of snow with her.
We sat in the conference room, watching the sky turn from light, to gray, to dark gray. Then the flurries blew in. Lightly at first, then as the clock ticked by the snow accumulated more and more. The flakes got big and crunchy when the temperature dropped and as they piled up, inch, by inch, by inch.
When I was able to venture outside. The ground was covered with about 4 inches of large pristine ice crystals. It was almost a disappointment to have to walk through the beautiful pearl carpet of snow. I stepped solemnly through the parking lot. Hearing the snow crunch and compress under my shoes.
Swoosh, crunch. Swoosh, crunch. Everything else was silent.
After I cleaned off my car, I drove off into the night watching the snow flakes streak towards me like stars in warp drive. The streets were still busy with drivers crawling slowly through the mush.
Since it was only 9:00 I decided to try for a better destination than last night. Restaurant after restaurant was closed. Dairy Queen, Panda Express and Smokey Bones were all dark void of cars or signs of night life. I decided on an all time favorite. RED ROBIN. Oh yeah!
I pulled around the lot and saw that there were only a few cars in the parking lot. I am sure they were mostly employees. I went in anyway, HOPING they would still be serving. I was in luck. There was a family in a booth and two guys at the bar. The two at teh bar appeared to be travelers like myself, but they were engaged in conversation of various topics from drilling in the arctic to sports scores. I wasn't able to see or hear much of anything from the family since they were behind me. The hostess did inquire about their unexpected long weekend resulting from cold weather canceling schools in the area. I think I probably heard them say they were happy about it, but perhaps that was my own kids answering the question.
Shortly after, she arrived to tend to me and inquired about my drink of choice. "Sprite please" and a "Whisky River BBQ, no pink, no onion straws" I replied back.
Off she went to fulfill my order. "I heard her say "One burger, no pink" to the cook. It's amazing what you hear when the ground is covered with snow, late at night.
I had a new issue of RangeFinder magazine that had an article about street photography. I thought I should read it to see if there is anything I was doing wrong. or to confirm what I am doing right and if the results are what's expected.
Being a visual person by nature, I paid attention to the only other person that was paying attention to me. She was slender and perky with a very nice attitude. She had short dark hair in a bob style cut. Her eyes are hard to explain. They didn't glow, nor did they pierce. Perhaps they were simply understated by her great lips, her jawline and cheekbones and her smile. That smile just seemed to come naturally. Her facial features just exuded a classical look. Sort of like a portrait Clarence Bull took of Audrey Hepburn. She had "that look".
Well, in my mind any way.
When "J" brought my burger and bottomless steak fries I eagerly dove in. Later, after she brought my second Sprite, she asked if there was anything she could get for me.
Well......"I could use a subject for a portrait."
Of course, that isn't what anyone expects to hear. So she stopped long enough to let me give her a card and explain my organ donation awareness project. She volunteered that she is a donor in which I inquired as to why she decided that route. "It's the right thing to do" "J" replied. Over our course of conversation, I learned she is also a plasma donor. She also believes that if we can't use them after we are dead, then we should leave something behind to help others.
We discussed about making sure family members are aware that it's our desire to be an organ donor. Something that many people still don't realize. you must discuss it with the people that can stop your wishes from being carried out. Another subject was the potential for abuse in a near end of life situation. In aspect of a person being in a near death situation being neglected so that the organs can be harvested.
It's a common fear. While I cannot say for a 100% certainty that it hasn't happened. Nor can I say that it won't happen. The decisions to save a life or stop care for a life are made by humans that are not perfect. But if it were me and my life was that close to the end, do I really want to be brought back to life to continue to be in a questionable physical state? I am not sure I would want to. Again, I have to trust that the doctors and my next of kin will be able to make the right decisions in that situation.
After all, "J" too declined my request for a portrait. I did bring it up again as I was leaving, but she appeared pretty concerned. I understand.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Eeny, meeny, miney
After our budget meeting, I was sitting there looking around.
To our left, in the main part of the cafe, was an attractive couple in their early 20's. She had curly blond hair that reminded me of Meg Ryan in Top Gun. He was facing slightly away from me and I wasn't able to see much of his face. It appeared that he had a thick shadow or thin beard. They both wore long coats. It was after all about 5 degrees outside (in the negative if you factor in the wind chill). Brrrrr. Neither of them pulled away from their books long enough to talk to each other much less for me to approach them.
Behind the 20 somethings was an older woman. There was a heavy white coffee mug next to her. A napkin on top. She was thumbing through a magazine that didn't appear to grab her attention for very long. Her companion came to the table after a few minutes and they left shortly after that.
Closer to us, next to a black waist high fence that divided the large from the small area of the cafe, was what appeared to be a father and son. They both had pretty thick books. It was neat to see them share something in common.
At the small table next to us, were two women that arrived after we sat down. The first brought the heavy smell of cigarette smoke. It wasn't all consuming, but after smelling it, I was sure that I wouldn't approach her with the conversation of organ donation. While I can't be for sure if smokers can donate, I would assume that it all depends on their over all health of their organs. Lungs, I doubt it. But kidneys, pancreas, skin, corneas and intestines could probably be viable.
To our right, was another small table with a man and woman. They were reading what appeared to be fact books. I wasn't able to see the titles, but a few times as I was looking around, I notice the woman smirking, almost a giggle.
No one I saw was immediately marked as approachable. Everyone was reading or engaged in a conversation with another. I turned back to the couple on my right and they had closed up their books and appeared to be readying to leave. I grabbed two cards and decided to take the few steps to their table and talk to them about organ donation.
I walked up to the table and as I put down the cards, one of them fluttered to the ground. I knelt down to pick it up and decided to stay kneeling down. First to be more eye to eye. But also to not be so overbearing to them. It already felt like they were threatened by my presence. The man was eying the cards and suspicious. Little said and even less facial reaction. I tended to talk to the woman more, since she was more engaging and appeared to be less suspicious.
I mentioned my organ donation project and the reason why I am doing it. I knew they were on their way out, so instead of trying to engage in a long term conversation, I cut right to the chase and asked if they were donors. They both replied with a yes. I asked why they choose to be donors. She said it was because it's the right thing to do and alluded to the issue that once we are dead, there isn't much we can do with the organs. I also asked about a possible photo. Both declined in tandem.
Since I knew I wasn't getting a portrait of with of them I mentioned the milestone of 95,000 people on the organ list right now. Then both my kids came over and I decided to share with them about my kids both being donors. They appeared to be intrigued about that. I suppose not many adults actually meet with children that are organ donors. At least not one on one.
I thanked them for their time and asked that they check out the flickr site as well as come to the blog and to share the links to both sites with friends and family.
We parted ways and headed back out to the sub zero sunny day.
To our left, in the main part of the cafe, was an attractive couple in their early 20's. She had curly blond hair that reminded me of Meg Ryan in Top Gun. He was facing slightly away from me and I wasn't able to see much of his face. It appeared that he had a thick shadow or thin beard. They both wore long coats. It was after all about 5 degrees outside (in the negative if you factor in the wind chill). Brrrrr. Neither of them pulled away from their books long enough to talk to each other much less for me to approach them.
Behind the 20 somethings was an older woman. There was a heavy white coffee mug next to her. A napkin on top. She was thumbing through a magazine that didn't appear to grab her attention for very long. Her companion came to the table after a few minutes and they left shortly after that.
Closer to us, next to a black waist high fence that divided the large from the small area of the cafe, was what appeared to be a father and son. They both had pretty thick books. It was neat to see them share something in common.
At the small table next to us, were two women that arrived after we sat down. The first brought the heavy smell of cigarette smoke. It wasn't all consuming, but after smelling it, I was sure that I wouldn't approach her with the conversation of organ donation. While I can't be for sure if smokers can donate, I would assume that it all depends on their over all health of their organs. Lungs, I doubt it. But kidneys, pancreas, skin, corneas and intestines could probably be viable.
To our right, was another small table with a man and woman. They were reading what appeared to be fact books. I wasn't able to see the titles, but a few times as I was looking around, I notice the woman smirking, almost a giggle.
No one I saw was immediately marked as approachable. Everyone was reading or engaged in a conversation with another. I turned back to the couple on my right and they had closed up their books and appeared to be readying to leave. I grabbed two cards and decided to take the few steps to their table and talk to them about organ donation.
I walked up to the table and as I put down the cards, one of them fluttered to the ground. I knelt down to pick it up and decided to stay kneeling down. First to be more eye to eye. But also to not be so overbearing to them. It already felt like they were threatened by my presence. The man was eying the cards and suspicious. Little said and even less facial reaction. I tended to talk to the woman more, since she was more engaging and appeared to be less suspicious.
I mentioned my organ donation project and the reason why I am doing it. I knew they were on their way out, so instead of trying to engage in a long term conversation, I cut right to the chase and asked if they were donors. They both replied with a yes. I asked why they choose to be donors. She said it was because it's the right thing to do and alluded to the issue that once we are dead, there isn't much we can do with the organs. I also asked about a possible photo. Both declined in tandem.
Since I knew I wasn't getting a portrait of with of them I mentioned the milestone of 95,000 people on the organ list right now. Then both my kids came over and I decided to share with them about my kids both being donors. They appeared to be intrigued about that. I suppose not many adults actually meet with children that are organ donors. At least not one on one.
I thanked them for their time and asked that they check out the flickr site as well as come to the blog and to share the links to both sites with friends and family.
We parted ways and headed back out to the sub zero sunny day.
Budget time
The kids and I ended up at the coffee shop at a bookstore this afternoon. Our number one priority was to get their 2007 budget set. We went month by month and estimated what the expenditures would be.
S0 far, it's only birthdays that are set. We haven't put down vacations or the weekly trips to the mall. They both have a large purchase they want so it is yet to be determined if they will pay 100% for the item or if I will kick some in. I have to say, they are pretty excited about being responsible for their own money. It can help me out too by helping them, it will help me. We will both realize the amount of money we spend on items and hopefully, help plus save more and spend more wisely.
Once the initial budget was done, we decided to adjourn our "meeting".
S0 far, it's only birthdays that are set. We haven't put down vacations or the weekly trips to the mall. They both have a large purchase they want so it is yet to be determined if they will pay 100% for the item or if I will kick some in. I have to say, they are pretty excited about being responsible for their own money. It can help me out too by helping them, it will help me. We will both realize the amount of money we spend on items and hopefully, help plus save more and spend more wisely.
Once the initial budget was done, we decided to adjourn our "meeting".
Friday, February 02, 2007
Content but left empty
I left work at 5:00 pm sharp. Hoping to miss some of the Friday rush and be able to work with the traffic as the snow blows in and around.
I stopped by the gas station to fill up before the weekend. At least the damage isn't as bad as it had been in the past. But the oil companies are still getting massive profits. I guess I am a bit jealous. As I pulled into the lane, I slid in front of a car already filling up. I slid out of the warm car and swiped my cards and began to fill up. The older guy in line behind me was intent on looking at the incrementing of the dollars and cents or the gallons as the gas rushed into his tank. His wife, was peering out the passenger window, focused on the other cars as their owners each took their turns filing their respective tanks.
The wind blew lightly. But it was enough to cause a chill when snow crystals touched my cheeks.
Neither one averted their eyes enough for me to make eye contact. Or even offer me a glimpse of an opportunity to approach them.
My nozzle clanked harshly and brought me back to my own task at hand. Right around $25 to fill up. I can accept that.
I slid back into my beater of a car and headed back to the road. I slowed at the stop sign and headed away from the main road back towards the parking lot. And the building that brought us here. My wife was at work. But this time of day would be very busy. I paused realizing we had not spent much time together in the past few months. But again pointed the car towards the road. Casually speaking in public isn't exactly quality time. I will try to stay up long enough to see her when she gets home after work tonight.
Driving up the hill, and back towards the highway, decided to head over to Panera Bread and grab a bagel.
Now I don't normally eat bagel's. But I wanted to see if I could find someone for a portrait tonight. It's been long dry spell.
I pulled into a parking spot and grabbed my camera bag and laptop from the back seat. It didn't look very busy, so I wasn't sure what my opportunities would be like. Sauntering up to the counter, I ordered a small drink and a plain bagel with cream cheese then found one of the overstuffed leather chairs to drop into.
Tearing it up a bit and putting on the cream cheese, I listened to conversation of the three people at the table in front of me. I couldn't hear much of what they were saying so I opened my laptop up to surf the Internet a little.
I put my drink on a side table so I had to turn my head and see the patrons to take a drink. This allowed me to see if anyone might be an interesting subject as well as be aware of my surroundings.
When I was empty, I headed back over to the drink fountain to re fill. As I walked in front of the order register between the people waiting for their pannini's and drinks, I saw a girl at the end with a knit hat on. She stood out for her fashion more than for her looks. I looked a her but passed on an opportunity since she looked quite disinterested even in her being there.
As I went back to my seat I glanced back to her and THOUGHT I made eye contact. But one can really never tell from 40 feet away. I thought about it a minute and decided to head back with a business card in hand. I knew I would only have a few seconds to work with. She appeared to be a 20 something girl with little or no patience for anyone that wasn't a football star or 6' 2" financial advisor with a BMW in his parking space.
As I got closer I she watched me beeline towards her. Her weight shifted and she immediately went into defensive mode.
From this distance, I could now see she was cute. So she has probably had her share of creeps approach her. Now, to her, I was just another creep. Great. Nice way to start a weekend.
I knew in an instant I was lost on anything I had. I put my hand out with a card. It was all I had to offer at this point. She was very hesitant. I tried to explain I was doing a project about organ donation but she probably only heard "I want to take your nude picture" or something equally offensive.
I insisted she take the card and if she could to stop by and talk to me about the project I would appreciate her time.
I walked away knowing the card would end up in the trash.
As I sit here about 20 minutes later. Knowing she will never see the flickr page or this blog. I write to be fair, but I am unsure (and insecure) in her thoughts about me.
The snow flurries are drifting from the unseen clouds in the dark gray sky above. People are coming and going out appearing happy. Content. Full.
,I too leave this place. My bagel was nice and fresh but yet I leave empty.
I stopped by the gas station to fill up before the weekend. At least the damage isn't as bad as it had been in the past. But the oil companies are still getting massive profits. I guess I am a bit jealous. As I pulled into the lane, I slid in front of a car already filling up. I slid out of the warm car and swiped my cards and began to fill up. The older guy in line behind me was intent on looking at the incrementing of the dollars and cents or the gallons as the gas rushed into his tank. His wife, was peering out the passenger window, focused on the other cars as their owners each took their turns filing their respective tanks.
The wind blew lightly. But it was enough to cause a chill when snow crystals touched my cheeks.
Neither one averted their eyes enough for me to make eye contact. Or even offer me a glimpse of an opportunity to approach them.
My nozzle clanked harshly and brought me back to my own task at hand. Right around $25 to fill up. I can accept that.
I slid back into my beater of a car and headed back to the road. I slowed at the stop sign and headed away from the main road back towards the parking lot. And the building that brought us here. My wife was at work. But this time of day would be very busy. I paused realizing we had not spent much time together in the past few months. But again pointed the car towards the road. Casually speaking in public isn't exactly quality time. I will try to stay up long enough to see her when she gets home after work tonight.
Driving up the hill, and back towards the highway, decided to head over to Panera Bread and grab a bagel.
Now I don't normally eat bagel's. But I wanted to see if I could find someone for a portrait tonight. It's been long dry spell.
I pulled into a parking spot and grabbed my camera bag and laptop from the back seat. It didn't look very busy, so I wasn't sure what my opportunities would be like. Sauntering up to the counter, I ordered a small drink and a plain bagel with cream cheese then found one of the overstuffed leather chairs to drop into.
Tearing it up a bit and putting on the cream cheese, I listened to conversation of the three people at the table in front of me. I couldn't hear much of what they were saying so I opened my laptop up to surf the Internet a little.
I put my drink on a side table so I had to turn my head and see the patrons to take a drink. This allowed me to see if anyone might be an interesting subject as well as be aware of my surroundings.
When I was empty, I headed back over to the drink fountain to re fill. As I walked in front of the order register between the people waiting for their pannini's and drinks, I saw a girl at the end with a knit hat on. She stood out for her fashion more than for her looks. I looked a her but passed on an opportunity since she looked quite disinterested even in her being there.
As I went back to my seat I glanced back to her and THOUGHT I made eye contact. But one can really never tell from 40 feet away. I thought about it a minute and decided to head back with a business card in hand. I knew I would only have a few seconds to work with. She appeared to be a 20 something girl with little or no patience for anyone that wasn't a football star or 6' 2" financial advisor with a BMW in his parking space.
As I got closer I she watched me beeline towards her. Her weight shifted and she immediately went into defensive mode.
From this distance, I could now see she was cute. So she has probably had her share of creeps approach her. Now, to her, I was just another creep. Great. Nice way to start a weekend.
I knew in an instant I was lost on anything I had. I put my hand out with a card. It was all I had to offer at this point. She was very hesitant. I tried to explain I was doing a project about organ donation but she probably only heard "I want to take your nude picture" or something equally offensive.
I insisted she take the card and if she could to stop by and talk to me about the project I would appreciate her time.
I walked away knowing the card would end up in the trash.
As I sit here about 20 minutes later. Knowing she will never see the flickr page or this blog. I write to be fair, but I am unsure (and insecure) in her thoughts about me.
The snow flurries are drifting from the unseen clouds in the dark gray sky above. People are coming and going out appearing happy. Content. Full.
,I too leave this place. My bagel was nice and fresh but yet I leave empty.
A milestone has been reached
I don't know exactly when, but the United States now has reached the number of 95,000 people waiting for an organ.
| Waiting list candidates as of today 2:10pm | |
|---|---|
All  | 95,001 |
| Kidney | 69,915 |
| Pancreas | 1,747 |
| Kidney/Pancreas | 2,391 |
| Liver | 16,986 |
| Intestine | 235 |
| Heart | 2,858 |
| Lung | 2,866 |
| Heart/Lung | 135 |
| All candidates will be less than the sum due to candidates waiting for multiple organs | |
| Transplants performed January - October 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 24,445 |
| Deceased Donor | 18,793 |
| Living Donor | 5,652 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 01/26/2007 | |
| Donors recovered January - October 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 12,401 |
| Deceased Donor | 6,750 |
| Living Donor | 5,651 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 01/26/2007 | |
Caution: Attitude on the loose and it's all over the place
On the iPod: Blues Traveler, Violent Femmes, Whitecross, Kenny G, The Beatles, Blink 182, Oukast, Direct Current, Phil Keaggy, Avril Lavigne,
I took a few days to do a little digging. Not for dirt. Or even for anything organ donor related. I was actually just looking into other web sites for what ever I could find. It's my way to clear my mind and refocus. Some places I visited were photo related. I also hit a few financial sites and of course the requisite new (random) web sites and blogs. I even made it back to the Barnes & Noble a few miles from home. The last time I inquired about JPG Magazine. I was told by the "clerk" said they don't carry the JPG magazine. Well, wouldn't you know it. They had a dozen or so issues on the shelf. They were right where they were two months ago too. I had a cursory look through the mag last night. I wasn't as impressed with this issue as I was the first one I bought. But that's not to say I am disappointed. Some of the images that were chosen just didn't have that GRAB or the pull to say "look at me", "remember me". Perhaps it was the themes chosen for the issue. Of the images submitted online some of those had impact. I should have added them as favorites some of them. Oh well.
.next time.
I didn't carry my camera in to B&N this time. I did look several people square in the eye. Boy does that make people nervous. I really wanted to just start talking to someone. But I was really short on time this trip through town.
I also headed over to Circuit City to pick up a thingy and software to calibrate my monitor. So my crappy pictures won't look too crappy. To be honest. The original settings looked nicer than what the Huey (from Pantone) made the monitor look. I also calibrated my laptop and it's external monitor. Both of them looked better before the calibration than after I used the Huey calibration on them.
To be fair (if it's possible) I have a tendency to add a little yellow to some of my pictures so when my monitor looks like it had a little more yellow than I am used to, it should all balance out. ((I like my monitors on the cool side, more blue and green)).
We went sledding last night for about thirty minutes. It was a pleasant 30 degrees and no wind. I could have stayed out for HOURS, as could the kids. But thy had been nippy/edgy towards each other all day from the moment they got off the bus. I was hoping the cold air and exercise would have slowed them down but it didn't.
My son was skirting the line of being too aggressive towards his sister and I almost stepped in. But
I literally stopped mid step to see how it would pan out. As he ran across the yard with the sleds, she threw snow at him and he dropped both sleds and she picked them up. He stopped being a peckerwood when she had the sleds. HIS sled. A little later there was the requisite jumping on each other as they slid by and that almost brought about a few other brawls. I stayed in the shadows and let it happen. Throughout the short time we were sledding, they never crossed "the line" and I didn't have to step in. I was pretty proud of them.
We headed in, slowly, and got ready for bed. This is probably my favorite time of day. We get to spend one on one time with each other. No TV, no radio no one else. When my daughter turns off her video game and ask ME to come talk, there is nothing else I could want to do. It's more than a chat. It's investing in our relationship. Setting the course when there are stresses of friends, boyfriends, school grades, sex, alcohol and drugs. Then they will know they CAN talk to me with problems.
I am also stressing that they can talk to each other. I challenge them often to work together to solve a problem, complete a task or just come up with a creative idea. It's working. I have heard them reasoning, using logic and just plain having fun with some things together. Dish washing is one. Another is deciding on a place to eat out or how to spend the day. It's what make me love being a parent.
As for sex talk. We have had it. It was one of the most difficult things to think about when they were toddlers. I knew it would come eventually. When it did, the discussions were natural. They have never been squeamish. The kids, not the discussions. But we have always been honest and accurate with each other.
It gives me hope that they will be able to make the right decision when confronted with sex the first time. Drugs and alcohol conversations have not been any easier and no less important. They see people drinking and beer/wine at restaurants and on TV. So it's a different type of conversation. There is an issue with genetics when it comes to alcohol and I make them aware that it could be deadly to them. Not to scare them. But to make them aware that there is a different issue at hand than just a few drinks with friends. It's much, much more.
So far, they have not had to directly deal with death. Only one grandpa has passed away in their cognitive lives. They have had two great, great grandmothers pass away, but they don't have much of a memory of them. Someday, hopefully a ling time away, we will deal with that issue.
I took a few days to do a little digging. Not for dirt. Or even for anything organ donor related. I was actually just looking into other web sites for what ever I could find. It's my way to clear my mind and refocus. Some places I visited were photo related. I also hit a few financial sites and of course the requisite new (random) web sites and blogs. I even made it back to the Barnes & Noble a few miles from home. The last time I inquired about JPG Magazine. I was told by the "clerk" said they don't carry the JPG magazine. Well, wouldn't you know it. They had a dozen or so issues on the shelf. They were right where they were two months ago too. I had a cursory look through the mag last night. I wasn't as impressed with this issue as I was the first one I bought. But that's not to say I am disappointed. Some of the images that were chosen just didn't have that GRAB or the pull to say "look at me", "remember me". Perhaps it was the themes chosen for the issue. Of the images submitted online some of those had impact. I should have added them as favorites some of them. Oh well.
.next time.
I didn't carry my camera in to B&N this time. I did look several people square in the eye. Boy does that make people nervous. I really wanted to just start talking to someone. But I was really short on time this trip through town.
I also headed over to Circuit City to pick up a thingy and software to calibrate my monitor. So my crappy pictures won't look too crappy. To be honest. The original settings looked nicer than what the Huey (from Pantone) made the monitor look. I also calibrated my laptop and it's external monitor. Both of them looked better before the calibration than after I used the Huey calibration on them.
To be fair (if it's possible) I have a tendency to add a little yellow to some of my pictures so when my monitor looks like it had a little more yellow than I am used to, it should all balance out. ((I like my monitors on the cool side, more blue and green)).
We went sledding last night for about thirty minutes. It was a pleasant 30 degrees and no wind. I could have stayed out for HOURS, as could the kids. But thy had been nippy/edgy towards each other all day from the moment they got off the bus. I was hoping the cold air and exercise would have slowed them down but it didn't.
My son was skirting the line of being too aggressive towards his sister and I almost stepped in. But
I literally stopped mid step to see how it would pan out. As he ran across the yard with the sleds, she threw snow at him and he dropped both sleds and she picked them up. He stopped being a peckerwood when she had the sleds. HIS sled. A little later there was the requisite jumping on each other as they slid by and that almost brought about a few other brawls. I stayed in the shadows and let it happen. Throughout the short time we were sledding, they never crossed "the line" and I didn't have to step in. I was pretty proud of them.
We headed in, slowly, and got ready for bed. This is probably my favorite time of day. We get to spend one on one time with each other. No TV, no radio no one else. When my daughter turns off her video game and ask ME to come talk, there is nothing else I could want to do. It's more than a chat. It's investing in our relationship. Setting the course when there are stresses of friends, boyfriends, school grades, sex, alcohol and drugs. Then they will know they CAN talk to me with problems.
I am also stressing that they can talk to each other. I challenge them often to work together to solve a problem, complete a task or just come up with a creative idea. It's working. I have heard them reasoning, using logic and just plain having fun with some things together. Dish washing is one. Another is deciding on a place to eat out or how to spend the day. It's what make me love being a parent.
As for sex talk. We have had it. It was one of the most difficult things to think about when they were toddlers. I knew it would come eventually. When it did, the discussions were natural. They have never been squeamish. The kids, not the discussions. But we have always been honest and accurate with each other.
It gives me hope that they will be able to make the right decision when confronted with sex the first time. Drugs and alcohol conversations have not been any easier and no less important. They see people drinking and beer/wine at restaurants and on TV. So it's a different type of conversation. There is an issue with genetics when it comes to alcohol and I make them aware that it could be deadly to them. Not to scare them. But to make them aware that there is a different issue at hand than just a few drinks with friends. It's much, much more.
So far, they have not had to directly deal with death. Only one grandpa has passed away in their cognitive lives. They have had two great, great grandmothers pass away, but they don't have much of a memory of them. Someday, hopefully a ling time away, we will deal with that issue.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Guidance the light that lets you see the way
I have had the opportunity several years ago to meet with a real professional photographer. Photographer might even be limiting. He shoots, designs and writes in still and multimedia (audio/video). Perhaps "artist" would be more fitting. I have mentioned him before. But his guidance is why I am writing about him again.
Over the past few years, we haven't really conversed much except for a few meetings we would both attend. We both got busy then time got the best of us. Because of him being a photographer, I valued his opinion of my own pictures. I think, luckily, he hasn't really seen any of my work. In my not so humble opinion, it's just not all that great. The desire is there, but the effort has been lacking.
Lately, we have been sending emails back and forth. He lightly critiques my blog and I am truly thrilled to get it. Because I can't dedicate a tremendous amount of time to some elements of the blog, I won't incorporate everything he suggests, but I will take into account what he offers.
A few items are actually part of what I expected in the course of the project and blog. I was already planning on changing the look and feel of the blog. Right now, I like that fact that the blog is simplified. There isn't a whole lot that I can do with it. Or else I will become too focused on the minute details like the perfect color and combinations of the font size, and links, or formatting of the tables etc. If I wanted to do that, I would have just made another web site. But, blogger has given us access to the CSS and HTML, we can make some changes. Over the course of time, I will be experimenting with some changes as I get an opportunity. As you can already see, I have changed the background and font colors.
If you don't like what you see, let me know.
One of the other changes that will be more difficult to incorporate will be the stories. I have been putting very small tidbits of information about my subjects. Initially it was by design. I try very hard to not identify the people that entrust me with their stories and images. Perhaps too much? Hence their only ID is an initial and in some cases I get an image of them in their work place. The last few people have been very generous in their time. I have had really nice conversations with them as we share our lives in a relatively short amount of time. Unfortunately, I can't always remember everything they tell me. I am planning on getting a voice recorder so I can actually record what we say. This way I can cull more accurate quotes, or references with greater detail.
This is where David has challenged me. To write with more detail. More from the heart. To dig deep within. Either he sees something in me that I cannot. Or he has a skill and an opportunity to take part in this project that will help solidify his role as an ARTIST.
Sooner than later, I will attempt to change the entries a bit. I will probably still do the regular links as I do often. I feel it's important to be able to share with all of you, what I find interesting. You can either glean tidbits from those links or be able to actually see, hear and feel what I feel.
How many blogs can say that?
I will then try and do a weekly "personal reflection" post. Something I can really put out there. The bulk of the blog will still be links and banter. But it will increasingly become the deeper stories of the people I interact with.
I was looking on the OPTN site and notices we are a few hundred away from hitting 95,000 people waiting for an organ. According to the numbers posted yesterday. The number of people dying each year waiting for an organ is actually over 6,000 closer to 7,000.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The key to fitness
I have a fatty liver and my doctor told me to begin a diet and exercise routine start losing a good amount of weight, so I stopped by an exercise equipment store on the way home. There, I met "R". He showed me a few bikes. All they had in stock was an incumbent bike. I was hoping for an upright. Their prices were a little more than on the web but not enough to not buy one from them. I just want to find the right one. Especially for that price. It could end up being an expensive coat rack.
As we talked I brought up organ donation. He winced a bit. He had been, but the last time he renewed his drivers license he removed his donor status. It was totally understandable to me. He felt that at that time, several people seemed to get organs that didn't seem to fit the needy category. It really soured him on the organ donation.
We talked a little bit about it and I think he might re consider it when his license is up for renewal. You can see his portrait on the One-A-Day-2007 flickr page.
As we talked I brought up organ donation. He winced a bit. He had been, but the last time he renewed his drivers license he removed his donor status. It was totally understandable to me. He felt that at that time, several people seemed to get organs that didn't seem to fit the needy category. It really soured him on the organ donation.
We talked a little bit about it and I think he might re consider it when his license is up for renewal. You can see his portrait on the One-A-Day-2007 flickr page.
READ THESE
After you read some of these storiess, I challenge all of you to post a comment.
http://www.onelegacy.org/prod/components/donation/stories.html
http://www.onelegacy.org/prod/components/donation/stories.html
Not for one, but for ALL of them
Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 19 others die waiting for a donated organ. - http://www.organdonor.gov
Where it all comes from
For those of you that know me, know that when I take hold of something I take hold if it. If mantra is true:
While I have been crusading for organ donation, there is a small still voice that is omnipresent in my mind, and heart.
Some of you will be (or currently are) dismayed that I don't mention Jesus, Christianity or the truly beautiful concept of His forgiveness and the love that God has for all of us.
No, I don't mention that too much. Why? It's not on my heart right now. Do I believe it. ABSOLUTELY. Should you? Why wouldn't you?
The small still voice isn't the Holy Spirit. It's a friend of mine that has silently given me motivation in more ways than I can ever say. I will ID her as "D". She know who she is.
.tears are welling up now.
I see her as a strong courageous woman. She has risen to certain levels of endurance and persistence. She has overcome some very difficult obstacles emotionally, physically and I am sure spiritually.
Why do I tout this person at such a high standard?
SHE INSPIRES ME!
Not just because of what she goes through. But how she dignifies herself. She would probably slap the you know what out of me for exalting her like this, but I had to say it. It has been laying on my heart. I am very sure it won't be the last time I mention "D" either.
If you want to help. You can participate in an MS Walk this spring. For those of you in the beautiful North West go here to the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society. For those of you everywhere else go here to the National MS Society.
Recognize the talent.
Challenge the mind.
Motivate the heart.
Challenge the mind.
Motivate the heart.
While I have been crusading for organ donation, there is a small still voice that is omnipresent in my mind, and heart.
Some of you will be (or currently are) dismayed that I don't mention Jesus, Christianity or the truly beautiful concept of His forgiveness and the love that God has for all of us.
No, I don't mention that too much. Why? It's not on my heart right now. Do I believe it. ABSOLUTELY. Should you? Why wouldn't you?
The small still voice isn't the Holy Spirit. It's a friend of mine that has silently given me motivation in more ways than I can ever say. I will ID her as "D". She know who she is.
.tears are welling up now.
I see her as a strong courageous woman. She has risen to certain levels of endurance and persistence. She has overcome some very difficult obstacles emotionally, physically and I am sure spiritually.
Why do I tout this person at such a high standard?
SHE INSPIRES ME!
Not just because of what she goes through. But how she dignifies herself. She would probably slap the you know what out of me for exalting her like this, but I had to say it. It has been laying on my heart. I am very sure it won't be the last time I mention "D" either.
If you want to help. You can participate in an MS Walk this spring. For those of you in the beautiful North West go here to the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society. For those of you everywhere else go here to the National MS Society.
Dream a little dream
I have an opinion.
It's really difficult to share some of my thoughts on the blog because this blog is supposed to be all about organ donation, my life as a (former) donor and (as I was labeled) a crusader [for organ donation]. I seem to digress all too often. The reality is I am sure most of you don't really want to know my daily musings and thoughts, but you still come back. I hope. It’s sort of like a train wreck. You shouldn't watch, but you want to see if there is any carnage after it's all said and done.....Plus, my life is really pretty boring. I have to fill in the space with web fodder and heart felt stories to keep you coming back for more, MORE, M-O-R-E ! !
I read this article here from MSNBC/Newsweek and the subject is, unfortunately, probably something that happens more often than not. To summarize, it's about a man with a very sick child and his insurance is hitting its max lifetime amount. The child is only 3 years old. There have been movies about this same situation and I am sure there are books and all sorts of stories. Plain and simple though, as a parent, you want the worlds resources available for your child.
A thousand years ago or even 100 years ago most health problems ended with death. Today, we can't stop death, but prolong life. At what cost? This child, like mine, is priceless. Out of the trillions that insurances are getting in premiums, I can’t imagine this child bankrupting the insurance company. But in all reality, to me, it says that there are thousands of people that are in this same situation. Tens or hundreds of millions need insurance. Millions probably don’t have it.
My son and daughter both spent time in a NICU at birth. My daughter......is truly a dream come true. (That story at another time). We went through some intense medical situations that, if we had gone without, would have resulted in a slow and painful death for my daughter (according to the surgeons). Today and forever, we monitor visually and verbally how she is doing. She will never be rid if what ail's her, but we can be assured things are much, much better. Looking at this angel from God's own heaven that graces my existence, you would never know of her past.
Would I trade some of the painful experiences knowing that my daughter is doing so well right now? Absolutely not. We also know that her future was very bright because of good health care/insurance. Without it……..my dream would have died.
Quote of the day.
"private insurance is about making profits, not keeping people healthy. " - Nathan Wilkes
Monday, January 29, 2007
Items of interest
In the pursuit of the organ donation awareness project, I will get the comment like "if I get hurt, they will let me die so they can have my organs" or "special people get preferential treatment so it's unfair".
While I cannot say unequivocally that the above statements are true or false. It is the goal of organ donation (backed by laws and ethics) to create a level playing field. Since everything is run by humans, and we humans are not perfect, I can only assume there are a few cases of human judgement being clouded in the case of a potential donor or recipient getting to the top of their respective lists sooner than they would have otherise expected. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to find cases both for and against both situations.
Regardless. There are just under 95,000 people waiting for organs as of today.
I found Josh's blog on Becky's blog. Then I ended up on Walter Payton's web site where it mentions his liver failing from PSC and eventual cancer. It is my understanding that he died of cancer, waiting for a liver. It is reported in a few places that Walter was offered special status. But he refused it. While
http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx
http://payton34.com
While I cannot say unequivocally that the above statements are true or false. It is the goal of organ donation (backed by laws and ethics) to create a level playing field. Since everything is run by humans, and we humans are not perfect, I can only assume there are a few cases of human judgement being clouded in the case of a potential donor or recipient getting to the top of their respective lists sooner than they would have otherise expected. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to find cases both for and against both situations.
Regardless. There are just under 95,000 people waiting for organs as of today.
I found Josh's blog on Becky's blog. Then I ended up on Walter Payton's web site where it mentions his liver failing from PSC and eventual cancer. It is my understanding that he died of cancer, waiting for a liver. It is reported in a few places that Walter was offered special status. But he refused it. While
http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/walterpayton.aspx
http://payton34.com
Friday, January 26, 2007
The longing
Since I have been doing the organ donation awareness project over on flickr. I have thrown myself headlong into my past.
In my profile over there to the right. Near the end it mentions me being introspective and retrospective. It's painfully true.
I am very aware of my past and how much I enjoyed the majority of it. I learned early on that I am not athletic. But when I played softball, some of the opposing teams recognized that my squat legs could motor me around the bases really fast. (I had to compensate with speed because of my poor hitting skills). I also am not a looker. No GQ for me. All the looks were passed on to my sister and brothers. Am I smart.....well, I do have an opinion on everything. A self described “jack of all trades, master of nothing”. And as painful as it sounds, I do have a good personality. (ack) As a friend, I am (self) rated to be a good one to have.
The results of my pshch eval (during the appointments for donating my liver) could explain some of my past (and now present). Even though the Dr said I was "boring" (no smoking, drinking, drugs, elicit sex etc) I couldn't help to look up my past then compare and contrast with what I heard from the one hour "session".
In high school I was, like most people, attracted to the opposite sex. I dated quite a bit, but never with anyone in my own school. It only took me 20 years to realize this. Or perhaps accept it. Actually, I did date one girl from my school. But there was an age difference and it didn't last much more than a week or two. I tried dating a few other girls in some of my classes, but those didn't work out either. So really, they can't be counted.
With this current project, I have no choice but to approach strangers. It's a fundamental requirement of the project. I seem to seek out attractive people. I'm not sorry about it at all. But with this project, I am keenly aware that there are so many people in this world. It's truly on a different level. It happens when I sit in a restaurant, get gas, shop for tortillas or buy a magazine. I end up watching the patrons. I observe the staff. I see the struggles with trays, crying kids and food orders and all the other events. I am an observer. When I look at all of these people and really see their faces, I look at how the light casts a shadow across their nose. How colorful their eyes are. What would they look like in a bowler hat or some other accessory? How about if they lean up against the brick wall? All these thoughts flood my mind with every person, hundreds of times a day.
I could probably be classified with an obsession. Perhaps even an unhealthy one. But even as I struggle with my “issue” I battle with the demons with every stranger I approach brings me back to high school. I approach many, hoping for a few. Will they allow me an opportunity to capture a fraction of a moment of their time in a photograph?
Very creative photos
Here is a blog with some incredibly creative pictures. All are work safe. Some may leave you scratching your head. Most are obvious.
Creative photos by Chema Madoz | haha.nu - a lifestyle blogzine
Creative photos by Chema Madoz | haha.nu - a lifestyle blogzine
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Bitter and cold
[I re read this post the next day and had to edit it for grammar and continuity.]
The snow blew in to the region today. Quite literally.
We have been having flurries for about a week. For some reason it never seemed to accumulate. Very strange indeed. Yesterday however it actually snowed enough to finally cover grass in the yard and a little bit more. Today, it continued to snow then the wind came in and caused little snow drifts. Something like the buildup of frost in your freezer. Really.
So, after driving at about 5 miles an hour, I made it to a point in the highway where the cars picked up speed to normal cruising. I eventually made it to town and stopped by the grocery store to pick up some tortillas, mac and cheese and egg noodles. The whole while, I was looking at the other shoppers, hoping to make eye contact with someone. All for naught. Nada.
I headed back outside and the wind was ferocious. It's already under 20 degrees and the wind is at about 15 miles an hour. I won't do the math, but it was bitterly cold out.
I made it to the car, tossed in my bag and started the beast up. Across the lane of the parking lot was a person bundled up in a parka with the hood up. I thought I could saunter over there and talk about the organ donor awareness project. I watched the snow blow horizontally and decided to sit in the car for a few more minutes. But then the more I thought about it, people are waiting for organs. In many different situations.
Then I thought about me, sitting here in the car just can't compare to the pain and suffering a person has with a failed liver or kidney.
I got out and headed over to the vehicle to strike up a conversation.
Damn it's cold.
As I approached, I tried to call out over the howl of the wind so as not to startle this person. It didn't work. She saw me about the same time that I called again and was a few feet from her. She jumped a bit. I felt bad. Not a good first impression.
"Sorry". I said. "I tried to get your attention". I offered my card and quickly explained my project as my lips began to freeze. She had a parka and hood. The wind kept blowing her hood down as she struggled with the balance of keeping it up to see me and keep it over her face to stay warm.
Me, I had a cotton jacket of sorts and my new oneaday2007 ball cap. Not dressed for the occasion.
In our short conversation she was an excited donor. Even to the point where she was going to donate her body to science.
At that point, I thought I was going to get a nice portrait. I was already thinking about it in my bead......her slender face and electric smile, framed by the hood of her parka. The snow blowing by.....it would have been a tough picture, but a neat shot.
But when I mentioned a photo release, to legally allow me to use the images, her expression changed slightly and I knew I lost the shot. She backed out.
I understand. She also said she didn't have much time and her husband was waiting for her. I really appreciate the time she took especially with the weather being what it was/is.
While I am disappointed, I accepted the fact that I did get to talk to her. Its just that I really like to take pictures.
This project has a double life. It is challenging me to perform a long term project that I have to work at every day for a year. It's also a project that if executed properly, will spread and hopefully begin to have a life of it's own. The portraits however are beginning to intrude and are clouding my overall goal of organ donation awareness.
Even though I was able to talk about the subject of organ donation with her I was still really bummed because of the lost portrait opportunity.
Am I, losing sight of the forest for the trees?
The snow blew in to the region today. Quite literally.
We have been having flurries for about a week. For some reason it never seemed to accumulate. Very strange indeed. Yesterday however it actually snowed enough to finally cover grass in the yard and a little bit more. Today, it continued to snow then the wind came in and caused little snow drifts. Something like the buildup of frost in your freezer. Really.
So, after driving at about 5 miles an hour, I made it to a point in the highway where the cars picked up speed to normal cruising. I eventually made it to town and stopped by the grocery store to pick up some tortillas, mac and cheese and egg noodles. The whole while, I was looking at the other shoppers, hoping to make eye contact with someone. All for naught. Nada.
I headed back outside and the wind was ferocious. It's already under 20 degrees and the wind is at about 15 miles an hour. I won't do the math, but it was bitterly cold out.
I made it to the car, tossed in my bag and started the beast up. Across the lane of the parking lot was a person bundled up in a parka with the hood up. I thought I could saunter over there and talk about the organ donor awareness project. I watched the snow blow horizontally and decided to sit in the car for a few more minutes. But then the more I thought about it, people are waiting for organs. In many different situations.
Then I thought about me, sitting here in the car just can't compare to the pain and suffering a person has with a failed liver or kidney.
I got out and headed over to the vehicle to strike up a conversation.
Damn it's cold.
As I approached, I tried to call out over the howl of the wind so as not to startle this person. It didn't work. She saw me about the same time that I called again and was a few feet from her. She jumped a bit. I felt bad. Not a good first impression.
"Sorry". I said. "I tried to get your attention". I offered my card and quickly explained my project as my lips began to freeze. She had a parka and hood. The wind kept blowing her hood down as she struggled with the balance of keeping it up to see me and keep it over her face to stay warm.
Me, I had a cotton jacket of sorts and my new oneaday2007 ball cap. Not dressed for the occasion.
In our short conversation she was an excited donor. Even to the point where she was going to donate her body to science.
At that point, I thought I was going to get a nice portrait. I was already thinking about it in my bead......her slender face and electric smile, framed by the hood of her parka. The snow blowing by.....it would have been a tough picture, but a neat shot.
But when I mentioned a photo release, to legally allow me to use the images, her expression changed slightly and I knew I lost the shot. She backed out.
I understand. She also said she didn't have much time and her husband was waiting for her. I really appreciate the time she took especially with the weather being what it was/is.
While I am disappointed, I accepted the fact that I did get to talk to her. Its just that I really like to take pictures.
This project has a double life. It is challenging me to perform a long term project that I have to work at every day for a year. It's also a project that if executed properly, will spread and hopefully begin to have a life of it's own. The portraits however are beginning to intrude and are clouding my overall goal of organ donation awareness.
Even though I was able to talk about the subject of organ donation with her I was still really bummed because of the lost portrait opportunity.
Am I, losing sight of the forest for the trees?
I got a call today
We were looking at a house this afternoon and an unknown number showed up on my phone. Being the really really [sic] nice guy that I am, I answered it. :)
I had a wonderful talk with a woman from CORE, the Center for Organ Recovery and Education. She has gone to the blog and wanted to give me some words of appreciation and encouragement. She also sent me an email which I will share with all of you.
Hi [ ],
She also mentioned in our phone conversation that they know of THREE people that have donated altruistically. That is, to a stranger. I thought what I was doing was pretty cool. But for someone like the person above, THAT is incredible.
I had mentioned legitimacy in a past blog post. Our conversations don't make me a gosling under the wing of mother goose so to speak. But again, having organizations like CORE and American Liver Foundation of Western PA allow me to continue to pursue my project is very rewarding. It has also given me access to resources that I may not have had otherwise.
Both CORE and ALF of WPA are sending me some information as well as some SWAG that I can give to the subjects of my portraits.
I had a wonderful talk with a woman from CORE, the Center for Organ Recovery and Education. She has gone to the blog and wanted to give me some words of appreciation and encouragement. She also sent me an email which I will share with all of you.
Hi [ ],
It was so nice to talk with you. I’m very excited about your project and can’t help but think of the impact if more people had your level of commitment. We had a living kidney donor over the summer who was one of those people that warms your heart and leaves you reinvigorated. He doesn’t have a wife or kids, and he works as a cab driver in West Virginia. This man decided to take a one-month hiatus from work to donate a kidney to a complete stranger. With more than 69,000 people awaiting a kidney nationally (more than 2/3 of the total list of transplant candidates), his donation was a lifeline for a woman in kidney failure. He saved her life. Within days, he was out of the hospital and recovering at home. Living kidney donations are recovered laproscopically, so his recovery was relatively short. He is very humble and doesn’t want media attention or some big event in his honor. He just wanted to give one person a second chance. That’s exactly what he did.
[ ], please reply with your mailing address so I can send you some goodies. You are an inspiration!
I cannot tell you how incredible this phone call was and what it meant to me on so many levels. Having an organization call and tell me that what I am doing is causing excitement and then using a word on the level of "inspiration".....is really very humbling.She also mentioned in our phone conversation that they know of THREE people that have donated altruistically. That is, to a stranger. I thought what I was doing was pretty cool. But for someone like the person above, THAT is incredible.
I had mentioned legitimacy in a past blog post. Our conversations don't make me a gosling under the wing of mother goose so to speak. But again, having organizations like CORE and American Liver Foundation of Western PA allow me to continue to pursue my project is very rewarding. It has also given me access to resources that I may not have had otherwise.
Both CORE and ALF of WPA are sending me some information as well as some SWAG that I can give to the subjects of my portraits.
More net stuff
In my prior life as a webmaster I always put security and safety items on my web pages. Most security is experiential. Eventually, as you spend more time on a computer and on the internet, you learn good and bad habits and things to be aware of.
I remember last year getting an email regarding a web site called addictinggames.com being full of adware and other nefarious items. I had already been to the site and didn't remember seeing much. Perhaps in it's infancy they could have been. I really don't know.
But now, I recently came across a site that you can enter a web site and it will show you info about that site. It is from a security and antivirus company McAfee so it should be legit. LOL http://www.siteadvisor.com the analysis results page will show you the site you entered and the links from that site to other sites as well as other "stuff". While it doesn't appear to be all inclusive, it is a good place to start when you have a site you aren't all too sure of.
I remember last year getting an email regarding a web site called addictinggames.com being full of adware and other nefarious items. I had already been to the site and didn't remember seeing much. Perhaps in it's infancy they could have been. I really don't know.
But now, I recently came across a site that you can enter a web site and it will show you info about that site. It is from a security and antivirus company McAfee so it should be legit. LOL http://www.siteadvisor.com the analysis results page will show you the site you entered and the links from that site to other sites as well as other "stuff". While it doesn't appear to be all inclusive, it is a good place to start when you have a site you aren't all too sure of.
How the web should be
This post from the Seth Godin blog was really neat. But being in a technology field, it would appeal to me. For many and especially the luddites, this is a horrifying concept.
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/01/web4.html
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2007/01/web4.html
Informative page for living donors
The site is somewhat plain, but the information is good.
http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver5.htm
http://www.livingdonorsonline.org/liver/liver5.htm
Reality check
I know most of you are probably wondering why you actually spend time coming to the blog and reading about items that "I" think are interesting. Well, as of yesterday at least 4 or 5 of you have been coming regularly a few times a week. Kind of like an AA meeting, but with out having to admit you have a problem right...?
I have always been enamored by the ability of the Internet to be able to take you to another place. Yes, it's sort of an escape, but not really. I try, well usually, to write very personally. But sometimes, okay, most of the times, it short and concise. Not always very descriptive. The few times I expound, it's a rambling mess.
.Regardless.
I love passing on links to blogs and pages that are usually related to organ donation. After all, that is my mission here at CausalEffect. Eventually, I am going to tag and label all my older posts so someone "new to the blog" can read about my experiences of my three days of appointments to see if I was a viable live liver donor. I say "new" with trepidation (?) because I know everyone is sharing the link here to the blog, right, RIGHT?
I refer to Becky a lot (her and her brother Joe (in Chi-town) are always linked in the column to the right). Ed is also permalinked.
Here is a link to Jill, who strangely enough is also from Chicago (where Joe lives). She had a liver transplant in May 2006. Follow the TinyURL below (or the link above) to the month of May when she had the transplant to see what she went through. I have read the whole months worth of entries, but I still want to share it. The full link is too long to post here so I am using TinyURL to create one. ((It's safe)) http://tinyurl.com/33flhl
I have always been enamored by the ability of the Internet to be able to take you to another place. Yes, it's sort of an escape, but not really. I try, well usually, to write very personally. But sometimes, okay, most of the times, it short and concise. Not always very descriptive. The few times I expound, it's a rambling mess.
.Regardless.
I love passing on links to blogs and pages that are usually related to organ donation. After all, that is my mission here at CausalEffect. Eventually, I am going to tag and label all my older posts so someone "new to the blog" can read about my experiences of my three days of appointments to see if I was a viable live liver donor. I say "new" with trepidation (?) because I know everyone is sharing the link here to the blog, right, RIGHT?
I refer to Becky a lot (her and her brother Joe (in Chi-town) are always linked in the column to the right). Ed is also permalinked.
Here is a link to Jill, who strangely enough is also from Chicago (where Joe lives). She had a liver transplant in May 2006. Follow the TinyURL below (or the link above) to the month of May when she had the transplant to see what she went through. I have read the whole months worth of entries, but I still want to share it. The full link is too long to post here so I am using TinyURL to create one. ((It's safe)) http://tinyurl.com/33flhl
1k
Sometime between about 5 and 7 pm, I got my 1,000th visit on the blog.
Thank you. This project is something that I hope will help thousands of people. With that in mind, let's look at the numbers for the week.
Thank you. This project is something that I hope will help thousands of people. With that in mind, let's look at the numbers for the week.
| Waiting list candidates as of today 6:23am | |
|---|---|
| All | 94,789 |
| Kidney | 69,771 |
| Pancreas | 1,746 |
| Kidney/Pancreas | 2,396 |
| Liver | 16,952 |
| Intestine | 234 |
| Heart | 2,850 |
| Lung | 2,848 |
| Heart/Lung | 135 |
| All candidates will be less than the sum due to candidates waiting for multiple organs | |
| Transplants performed January - October 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 24,444 |
| Deceased Donor | 18,791 |
| Living Donor | 5,653 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 01/19/2007 | |
| Donors recovered January - October 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 12,400 |
| Deceased Donor | 6,750 |
| Living Donor | 5,650 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 01/19/2007 | |
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
So close
After work today we headed out for a family dinner at a Japanese restaurant. They sit 8 to a grill (large griddle) and the chef takes center stage. It's a fun place since they chop and flip the food in front of you. If you get something with onions, they will separate the rings and make it into a volcano and light some oil or something and it caramelizes, flames and smokes. It's quite entertaining.
I was the last to arrive and there was already a couple on one end and the rest of our family across the other short end and the long side. I sat next to the other couple.
They were younger than us. A little quiet. Then I show up and ended up paying more attention to them than my own family. I have to say, I was hoping I was going to be able to get them to pose for a portrait.
We talked about their jobs in the social work field and recycling industry. Both were quite intriguing. I had a nice conversation with them and was happy they were willing to reciprocate.
My son was taking some pictures and they asked about photography. Since the subject was breached I mentioned that I was doing a project for organ donation awareness. One was a donor and the other wasn't.
To me, there was a bit of tension in the air at that point. I had to reiterate that I don't care about the decision. All I want to do is bring about an awareness and elicit a conversation. I tried to talk about other subjects, but it's tough. I sometimes get tunnel vision when I want something really bad. Like a portrait. But it's very important to see the forest for the trees and not press too hard for a portrait.
Dinner was about done and we finished with some small chat. Then as they were getting ready to leave she said she would keep us in our prayers but would have to pass on the photo.
While I was bummed. I felt I had a nice conversation with someone I would have never met otherwise.
Someday, some of the people I meet will actually call me or email me to have a portrait taken. Until then. It's business as usual.
I was the last to arrive and there was already a couple on one end and the rest of our family across the other short end and the long side. I sat next to the other couple.
They were younger than us. A little quiet. Then I show up and ended up paying more attention to them than my own family. I have to say, I was hoping I was going to be able to get them to pose for a portrait.
We talked about their jobs in the social work field and recycling industry. Both were quite intriguing. I had a nice conversation with them and was happy they were willing to reciprocate.
My son was taking some pictures and they asked about photography. Since the subject was breached I mentioned that I was doing a project for organ donation awareness. One was a donor and the other wasn't.
To me, there was a bit of tension in the air at that point. I had to reiterate that I don't care about the decision. All I want to do is bring about an awareness and elicit a conversation. I tried to talk about other subjects, but it's tough. I sometimes get tunnel vision when I want something really bad. Like a portrait. But it's very important to see the forest for the trees and not press too hard for a portrait.
Dinner was about done and we finished with some small chat. Then as they were getting ready to leave she said she would keep us in our prayers but would have to pass on the photo.
While I was bummed. I felt I had a nice conversation with someone I would have never met otherwise.
Someday, some of the people I meet will actually call me or email me to have a portrait taken. Until then. It's business as usual.
More musings from a pro
Sometimes this blog and what I read about myself skirts very close to vanity. But I try to look through the reflection of myself and remember that it's really not about me, but I am about it.
David Farmerie is a Pittsburgh photographer. His credits are numerous including: The National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and The Natural History Museum.
He mentions me on his own blog heretitled "Note from a friend" Jan 19 http://davidfarmerie.com/txp
David Farmerie is a Pittsburgh photographer. His credits are numerous including: The National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, The University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and The Natural History Museum.
He mentions me on his own blog heretitled "Note from a friend" Jan 19 http://davidfarmerie.com/txp
Pennsylvania residents
You can now sign up to be a donor online in the state er, commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/browse.asp?a=174&bc=0&c=35515 or here is a TinyURL of the same site http://tinyurl.com/2uhrr9
Here is a link to Washington states DoL site http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/organdonor.html
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/browse.asp?a=174&bc=0&c=35515 or here is a TinyURL of the same site http://tinyurl.com/2uhrr9
Here is a link to Washington states DoL site http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/organdonor.html
Ch, Ch, Ch, Changes
Okay, I tinkered with the template and layout.
There will be some more changes as I figure out what the heck I am doing.
Leave me a comment let me know how I'm doing.
To find an older post, you can see the archive view has changed. Scroll down and on the right you will see the posts. Click on a year, then it expands the month then you will see the post.
There will be some more changes as I figure out what the heck I am doing.
Leave me a comment let me know how I'm doing.
To find an older post, you can see the archive view has changed. Scroll down and on the right you will see the posts. Click on a year, then it expands the month then you will see the post.
Upping the opportunities
I lost 83 thousand spots in one month. After a few additions, lets see where I end up in a couple fo weeks now.
I added a Technorati link/widget/???
I added a Technorati link/widget/???
Monday, January 22, 2007
Take em when you can get em
Like everyone else, we're finally getting some winter weather. Tonight wouldn't have produced anything, but I stopped by a store to pick up a couple of calendars for the kids. We are going to follow the trend my aunt set for her kids. We are giving our kids their allowance for the whole year in one lump sum and the calendars will help them set up a budget by seeing monthly when they will have expenses like birthday's, parties, and vacations. They will also be able to put down the items of what they spend and see where their money is going.
WHAT!!! You ask?
With the kids only getting a few dollars a month, it was easy to spend it on small menial items but harder to save since it would take months to cover anything of any value to them. When I gave them each a large sum before Christmas, they were covered for the rest of the year as well as some extra. BUT, they had to pay for all their own snacks, toys, and other items. Pretty much EVERYTHING. It was pretty amazing how they stoppped asking for a smoothie, or McDonalds hamburger or even a milkshake for dinner. (We covered the meal and drink, but extra food like desserts or milkshakes were their responsibility). Their attitude towards money changed drastically for the better.
Thank you Aunt "T".
Back to the regular scheduled programming:
As I walked out of the office supply store, I saw a guy throwing salt and thought what a tough night to do it. But it had to be done and I was thankful for the salt. The snow was blowing and a bit wet and very crusty so it was kind of on the slick side.
I slowed and thought about asking for a picture, but he was very busy and I didn't want to throw off his schedule. I put my bag in teh car and noticed he was done on the sidewalk and was heading abck to his truck. So I walked very quickly, leaving my car unlocked hoping to catch him before he sped off to another site.
"Excuse me" I said....trying to speak over the radio and rush of traffic nearby.
I quickly mentioned my cause and tried to hand him a card. He wasn't too excited about my card. But I asked him to take it. As cold as it was, I did get through to the point of the project and asked if I could take his picture(You can see it here One-A-Day-2007). He agreed to a few pictures. I was able to get two pictures before my brain was cold enough to have difficulties talking. We ended up talking about my issue with the hemochromotosis diagnosis and my desire to bring about awareness for organ donation. While he was not a donor, he was "for it".
I thanked "A" for his time and we parted.
Photog notes: I had my camera set for manual and a slow shutter speed. When I fired the shutter, it took F O R E V E R to finish and I was terrified that they would be over exposed and totally lost. But luckily (as opposed to skillfully) the slow shutter speed, with the fill flash (and honestly I don't know the aperture) they turned out great.
At least in in my mind.
I like the double exposure look. You can also see snow flake trails coming down. I was really pleased with the look of these shots.
WHAT!!! You ask?
With the kids only getting a few dollars a month, it was easy to spend it on small menial items but harder to save since it would take months to cover anything of any value to them. When I gave them each a large sum before Christmas, they were covered for the rest of the year as well as some extra. BUT, they had to pay for all their own snacks, toys, and other items. Pretty much EVERYTHING. It was pretty amazing how they stoppped asking for a smoothie, or McDonalds hamburger or even a milkshake for dinner. (We covered the meal and drink, but extra food like desserts or milkshakes were their responsibility). Their attitude towards money changed drastically for the better.
Thank you Aunt "T".
Back to the regular scheduled programming:
As I walked out of the office supply store, I saw a guy throwing salt and thought what a tough night to do it. But it had to be done and I was thankful for the salt. The snow was blowing and a bit wet and very crusty so it was kind of on the slick side.
I slowed and thought about asking for a picture, but he was very busy and I didn't want to throw off his schedule. I put my bag in teh car and noticed he was done on the sidewalk and was heading abck to his truck. So I walked very quickly, leaving my car unlocked hoping to catch him before he sped off to another site.
"Excuse me" I said....trying to speak over the radio and rush of traffic nearby.
I quickly mentioned my cause and tried to hand him a card. He wasn't too excited about my card. But I asked him to take it. As cold as it was, I did get through to the point of the project and asked if I could take his picture(You can see it here One-A-Day-2007). He agreed to a few pictures. I was able to get two pictures before my brain was cold enough to have difficulties talking. We ended up talking about my issue with the hemochromotosis diagnosis and my desire to bring about awareness for organ donation. While he was not a donor, he was "for it".
I thanked "A" for his time and we parted.
Photog notes: I had my camera set for manual and a slow shutter speed. When I fired the shutter, it took F O R E V E R to finish and I was terrified that they would be over exposed and totally lost. But luckily (as opposed to skillfully) the slow shutter speed, with the fill flash (and honestly I don't know the aperture) they turned out great.
At least in in my mind.
I like the double exposure look. You can also see snow flake trails coming down. I was really pleased with the look of these shots.
The High Price of Keeping Dad Alive
This article was in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend. It's available now, but given the WSJ wants money to view it's content, this article might not be available for long. Not my decision.
TinyURL to the article http://tinyurl.com/yqmqbq
You can see Mark's own words here http://www.savefoster.com
TinyURL to the article http://tinyurl.com/yqmqbq
You can see Mark's own words here http://www.savefoster.com
What they think
While Becky and I post back and forth every so often, her words about me and the blog are touching. She is another motivated donor that helped me confirm my decision to donate as being the right thing to do. Check her blog out and BOOKMARK it. She has some good links to follow up on. http://chopped-liver-blog.blogspot.com/ You can also see her Saturday Jan 20 2007 post about me. (shameless self promotion)
Anyone have a tissue???
Anyone have a tissue???
It's a wonder-ful life
I haven't been to the site for a while. You can see his pictures of the actual liver donation surgery. Yes, from inside the operating room. http://www.wonderliver.com and see the pictures of his nephew and how well a liver recipient is doing.
Do you want to be a donor or you already are but really don't know what it entails? You can read my whole blog, specifically from Nov 15, 16 and 17 2006. OR, I will steal this page http://www.wonderliver.com/wordpress/?page_id=6 Given the path, it may change so I am posting the content here:
Do you want to be a donor or you already are but really don't know what it entails? You can read my whole blog, specifically from Nov 15, 16 and 17 2006. OR, I will steal this page http://www.wonderliver.com/wordpress/?page_id=6 Given the path, it may change so I am posting the content here:
* Statistics, Information and Diagrams are from http://www.transplantliving.org. Why not use what’s already available! *
Qualifications for Living Donors
In order to qualify as a living donor, an individual must be physically fit, in good general health, and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease. Individuals considered for living donation are usually between 18-60 years of age. Gender and race are not factors in determining a successful match.
The living donor must first undergo a blood test to determine blood type compatibility with the recipient.
Blood Type Compatibility Chart
| Recipient’s Blood Type | Donor’s Blood Type |
|---|---|
| O | O |
| A | A or O |
| B | B or O |
| AB | A,B, AB or O |
If the donor and recipient have compatible blood types, the donor undergoes a medical history review and a complete physical examination.
The following tests may be performed:
- Tissue Typing: the donor’s blood is drawn for tissue typing of the white blood cells.
- Crossmatching: a blood test is done before the transplant to see if the potential recipient will react to the donor organ. If the crossmatch is “positive,” then the donor and patient are incompatible. If the crossmatch is “negative,” then the transplant may proceed. Crossmatching is routinely performed for kidney and pancreas transplants.
- Antibody Screen: an antibody is a protein substance made by the body’s immune system in response to an antigen (a foreign substance; for example, a transplanted organ, blood transfusion, virus, or pregnancy). Because the antibodies attack the transplanted organ, the antibody screen tests for panel reactive antibody (PRA). The white blood cells of the donor and the serum of the recipient are mixed to see if there are antibodies in the recipient that react with the antigens of the donor.
- Urine Tests: In the case of a kidney donation, urine samples are collected for 24 hours to assess the donor’s kidney function.
- X-rays: A chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG) are performed to screen the donor for heart and lung disease.
- Arteriogram: This final set of tests involves injecting a liquid that is visible under X-ray into the blood vessels to view the organ to be donated. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, but in some cases it may require an overnight hospital stay.
- Psychiatric and/or psychological evaluation: The donor and the recipient may undergo a psychiatric and/or psychological evaluation.
The decision to become a living donor is a voluntary one, and the donor may change his or her mind at any time during the process. The donor’s decision and reasons are kept confidential.
Risks Involved in Living Donation
All patients experience some pain and discomfort after an operation. And as with any major operation, there are risks involved. It is possible for liver donors to develop infections or bleeding, and or the liver may be injured.
Living donation may also have long-term risks that may not be apparent in the short term. It is therefore important that the benefits to both donor and recipient outweigh the risks associated with the donation and transplantation of the living donor organ. In addition to potential individual health concerns, it is possible for negative psychological consequences to result from living donation. Living donors may feel pressured by their families into donating an organ and guilty if they are reluctant to go through with the procedure. Feelings of resentment may also occur if the recipient rejects the donated organ. Living donors must be made aware of the physical and psychological risks involved before they consent to donate an organ. They should discuss their feelings, questions and concerns with a transplant professional and/or social worker.
Positive Aspects of Living Donation
Living donation has several advantages:
- Living donation eliminates the recipient’s need for placement on the national waiting list. Transplant surgery can be scheduled at a mutually-agreed upon time rather than performed as an emergency operation. Because the operation can be scheduled in advance, the recipient may begin taking immunosuppressant drugs two days before the operation. This decreases the risk of organ rejection.
- Transplants from living donors are often more successful, because there is a better tissue match between the living donor and the recipient. This higher rate of compatibility also decreases the risk of organ rejection.
- Perhaps the most important aspect of living donation is the psychological benefit. The recipient can experience positive feelings knowing that the gift came from a loved one or a caring stranger. The donor experiences the satisfaction of knowing that he or she has contributed to the improved health of the recipient.
Costs Related to Living Donation
Health insurance coverage varies for living donation. If the recipient is covered by a private insurance plan, most insurance companies pay 100 percent of the donor’s expenses. If the recipient is covered by Medicare’s end-stage renal disease program, Medicare Part A pays all of the donor’s medical expenses, including preliminary testing, the transplant operation, and post-operative recovery costs. Medicare Part B pays for physician services during the hospital stay. Medicare covers follow-up care if complications arise following the donation.
The Transplant Team
There are many people at the transplant center who work to make a transplant successful. Each person on the “transplant team” is an expert in a different area of transplantation. The transplant team includes all or some of the following professionals:
Clinical transplant coordinators have responsibility for the patient’s evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care.
Transplant physicians are doctors who manage the patient’s medical care, tests, and medications. He or she does not perform surgery. The transplant physician works closely with the transplant coordinator to coordinate the patient’s care until transplanted, and in some centers, provides follow-up care to the recipient.
Transplant surgeons perform the transplant surgery and may provide the follow-up care for the recipient. The transplant surgeon has special training to perform transplants.
Financial coordinators have detailed knowledge of financial matters and hospital billing. The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team, insurers, and administrative personnel to coordinate and clarify the financial aspects of the patient’s care before, during, and after the transplant.
Social workers help the patient and their family understand and cope with a variety of issues associated with a patient’s illness and/or the various side-effects of the transplant itself. In some cases, the social worker may perform some of the financial coordinator duties as well.
Going the wrong way
Technorati has my blog ranked 1,626,267. Ummm, that's like a whole lot worse than a month ago when I was at 1,538,965. I've dropped 87, 302 places.
That sucks.
That sucks.
Good Monday mourn
Freudian slip, perhaps not. This article mentions that Jan 22nd is a tough day for the Brits. Perhaps for all of us. I can attest to my feeling this weekend but I was going to blame it on my dang computer. (No, it's not a Mac, but I pondered the thought.....really) they are just too expensive for me right now.
Hit this link http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,245465,00.html for the Brit's blue blah study article.
Do you know how to be happy?
On the iPod:
Rob Zombie, Phil Keaggy, Aerosmith, Blink 182, Santana, Avril Lavigne, Blues Traveler
Hit this link http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,245465,00.html for the Brit's blue blah study article.
Do you know how to be happy?
On the iPod:
Rob Zombie, Phil Keaggy, Aerosmith, Blink 182, Santana, Avril Lavigne, Blues Traveler
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Sometimes, it just happens
We headed up north to a new mall. Well, it's been open for more than a year, but it's about as far away from our neck of the woods as you can get in this sprawling metropolis so it's new to us.
We sauntered around the mall then rounded a corner of "the neighborhood" (sections of the mall as they call them), I spied some plain baseball hats. The only reason I noticed them is because I have had three or four custom hats made for myself already. So, they stood out like a beacon in the night to me.
I stopped in, and looked at the hats trying to find just the right one. "J" was setting up another order for a different customer but offered quite a bit of help. Especially when one of the hats made my melon head look even bigger..."um, no that one doesn't look good" "It's too big". I was thankful for his honesty.
After I picked out just the right one, we were setting up the order and he asked what was going to be embroidered. I decided to write it out myself since verbally repeating it might be a bit of a pain.
As I was writing it, he was reading it and asked what it was about.....
Weeeeellll, let me tell you......
I asked if he was an organ donor and although he looked a bit nervous he was able to say he wasn't. Which really is absolutely fine. I made sure my project is NOT about changing minds. It all about awareness. Only he, or you or anyone can change their own mind regarding organ donation. All I am doing is talking about it.
We finished setting up the hat order, picked out the font, size and thread colors. I was taking pictures through the process and I found out he was a documentary filmmaker while in high school. So when it came time for the photo release, he was no problem at all. He has had other sign them too.
It was nice that I didn't have to deal with the details.
We went off to finish our rounds around the HUGE mall and hit a Red Robin for a late lunch.
After lunch I stopped by to pick up the hat. Unfortunately, there was a problem with how the hat was sitting on the equipment when it was getting embroidered. It skewed the text bad enough that I wasn't too happy with it. Since they have a guarantee, they offered to do it again. But they were backed up and asked if I could stop by tomorrow....Um, well I live about an hour away and it wouldn't really be worth the drive. To their credit, they fit my hat in to the order stream between other hats. I got to see the hard work it takes to custom embroider a hat. Lineing the seams up and making sure everything is just right is a tough job. Each one of the employees stepped up and made sure it worked right.
Unfortunately, for some reason the hat still skewed when it was about halfway through the process. Again, they did a few things to try and make the hat turn out right. While it's not perfect, I am happy with the results of my "Lids". I saw first hand the hard time they had. I appreciate their work to make it right.
They bagged up my hat and threw in the first run too. While I didn't ask for it, they offered it and I was appreciative.
So, hopefully, I can give back some more business when soccer and cheer leading start this fall. I would really like to give the cheerleaders custom headbands this fall. Maybe the same for soccer.
"J" did say, that after listening to my own story about organ donation and some of the numbers he was second guessing his decision. He might change his mind when it comes time to get his license renewed. You can see his picure here http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007
We sauntered around the mall then rounded a corner of "the neighborhood" (sections of the mall as they call them), I spied some plain baseball hats. The only reason I noticed them is because I have had three or four custom hats made for myself already. So, they stood out like a beacon in the night to me.
I stopped in, and looked at the hats trying to find just the right one. "J" was setting up another order for a different customer but offered quite a bit of help. Especially when one of the hats made my melon head look even bigger..."um, no that one doesn't look good" "It's too big". I was thankful for his honesty.
After I picked out just the right one, we were setting up the order and he asked what was going to be embroidered. I decided to write it out myself since verbally repeating it might be a bit of a pain.
As I was writing it, he was reading it and asked what it was about.....
Weeeeellll, let me tell you......
I asked if he was an organ donor and although he looked a bit nervous he was able to say he wasn't. Which really is absolutely fine. I made sure my project is NOT about changing minds. It all about awareness. Only he, or you or anyone can change their own mind regarding organ donation. All I am doing is talking about it.
We finished setting up the hat order, picked out the font, size and thread colors. I was taking pictures through the process and I found out he was a documentary filmmaker while in high school. So when it came time for the photo release, he was no problem at all. He has had other sign them too.
It was nice that I didn't have to deal with the details.
We went off to finish our rounds around the HUGE mall and hit a Red Robin for a late lunch.
After lunch I stopped by to pick up the hat. Unfortunately, there was a problem with how the hat was sitting on the equipment when it was getting embroidered. It skewed the text bad enough that I wasn't too happy with it. Since they have a guarantee, they offered to do it again. But they were backed up and asked if I could stop by tomorrow....Um, well I live about an hour away and it wouldn't really be worth the drive. To their credit, they fit my hat in to the order stream between other hats. I got to see the hard work it takes to custom embroider a hat. Lineing the seams up and making sure everything is just right is a tough job. Each one of the employees stepped up and made sure it worked right.
Unfortunately, for some reason the hat still skewed when it was about halfway through the process. Again, they did a few things to try and make the hat turn out right. While it's not perfect, I am happy with the results of my "Lids". I saw first hand the hard time they had. I appreciate their work to make it right.
They bagged up my hat and threw in the first run too. While I didn't ask for it, they offered it and I was appreciative.
So, hopefully, I can give back some more business when soccer and cheer leading start this fall. I would really like to give the cheerleaders custom headbands this fall. Maybe the same for soccer.
"J" did say, that after listening to my own story about organ donation and some of the numbers he was second guessing his decision. He might change his mind when it comes time to get his license renewed. You can see his picure here http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Up to your ears in ponder
This is from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health).
Public attitudes and behavior regarding organ donation.
Organ transplantation has been the subject of much attention; unfortunately, relatively little has been published about public attitudes toward organ donation. To better document public perceptions on organ donation, a telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of 2,056 respondents was conducted. We found that nearly 94% of the population had heard about organ transplantation, but only 19% of these people carried donor cards. The results indicated that people are somewhat more likely to donate the organs of a relative who had just died (53%) than they are to donate their own organs (50%). People were most likely to donate kidneys (50%) and least likely to donate skin (40%). Most respondents (58%) felt that next of kin should not be able to override a person's desire to donate organs as signified by an organ donor card. Few people (7%) supported the concept of presumed consent. We conclude that while the public is supportive of organ transplantation, it is not overly enthusiastic about organ donation. Awareness of this paradox on behalf of the public may actually facilitate organ donation.
KIE: A telephone survey of 2,056 persons was conducted to ascertain public attitudes toward organ donation. Although 94% of the respondents had heard about organ transplantation, only 19% carried donor cards and only 28% of the others said they were willing to carry one. More persons (53%) were willing to donate a relative's organs than their own (50%), and people were more likely to donate kidneys (50%) than other organs. Only 7% supported the concept of presumed consent to donation, and 58% of those polled felt that relatives should not be able to override a person's wish to donate as signified by a donor card. The authors conclude that people are very supportive of organ transplantation but are not as enthusiastic about donating organs. Further study is needed to determine whether greater understanding of the concept of brain death would facilitate donation of cadaver organs.
PMID: 3999296 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
If you can't donate you can give
In some of my research I obviously come across many web sites. Here is another one. It focuses on the enourmous cost of transplants. I thought I would pass it on. http://www.transplantfund.org
More neat stuff
I was reading Dooce that sent me to AlphaMom that sent me to Uncommon Goods that brings me back to causaleffect for your enjoyment.
Some of you may not have any problem talking at the table at dinner, breakfast or when ever. But I still thought this was a neat idea. They are called Table Topics. Plastic cubes with conversation topics. http://www.uncommongoods.com. Tey cost $24.00 each and are in 6 topic versions. I might have to pick a few up.
Some of you may not have any problem talking at the table at dinner, breakfast or when ever. But I still thought this was a neat idea. They are called Table Topics. Plastic cubes with conversation topics. http://www.uncommongoods.com. Tey cost $24.00 each and are in 6 topic versions. I might have to pick a few up.
It's a roller coaster ride
I checked my email this morning and received a really nice message. I will post a slightly edited portion of it here:
This is proabably the best insight to how everyone feels when I approach them. It's like wearing someone slese shoes for a few minutes. So youhave all ehard my side of the stories. Here is the view from "B".
I replied to "B" and told her that the photos are secondary to the message. The awareness of organ donation is what it's all about.
If she would still allow me to take her portrait, then it would be a nice little rose on the icing on a 365 day cake.
Needless to say, this message helped clean the feeling from yesterday. But there is still a for lease sign in front of our ice cream store.....
.sigh.
This is proabably the best insight to how everyone feels when I approach them. It's like wearing someone slese shoes for a few minutes. So youhave all ehard my side of the stories. Here is the view from "B".
Hi [causaleffect],
If you couldn't tell from the subject this is the woman from [BandN]. I'm sorry i never introduced my self, my name is "B". I just have a natural reaction to put my guards up when talking to a stranger and not give out much information. But i came home and had to check out your website, and i have to let you know that i think what you are doing is great. I respect it so much, I would like to be a part of it. I'm sorry I didn't want my picture taken at the moment because I was intimidated at first. Although I eased up I was still a little unsure because its not everyday I get approached by a stranger who wants to take your photograph. You never know nowadays, so I was just being cautious. I hope your not offended.
I now wish I didn't decline your offer now that I can see your project/page first hand. You definitely caught my interest though with your project. Its just weird because like I told you I wanted to be a bone marrow donor because of my sister, whom is in remission from Leukemia. I always thought about it, but i didn't even know where to get started. Now that you informed me that I can donate other organs while I'm still alive, I'm even more intrigued.
I really want to know more about all this and hopefully one day help someone in need. It would be awesome if you are able and willing to help me out with information on donating. And I would love to help you out and be a part of your project! Thank you so much for making me more aware and talking with me. Please write me back when you get time, I would really appreciate it!!!
Just incase you can't see my email address.. it is []
Thank-you again, "B"
I replied to "B" and told her that the photos are secondary to the message. The awareness of organ donation is what it's all about.
If she would still allow me to take her portrait, then it would be a nice little rose on the icing on a 365 day cake.
Needless to say, this message helped clean the feeling from yesterday. But there is still a for lease sign in front of our ice cream store.....
.sigh.
Things to ponder
I tried posting this last night but blog*spot (Blogger) was down for maintenance. Damn, I missed that memo.....
FYI for all of you that do come to the point that blogger is not available, I am mirroring (copying) this blog over on wordpress http://causaleffect.wordpress.com I know it's a lot of web sites. But that's what favorites and bookmarks are for right......
**********************
Here is
another blog I ran across.
Read farther down about a trend being reported in Hawaii. I guess it might be paradise, but at what cost? http://lifesharers.blogspot.com
This link almost brought me to tears.
http://cbs4denver.com/health/local_story_017085052.html
Something Georgia is trying (the post not the site)
http://www.marginalrevolution.com
Another donation site but has differing numbers than what I get from the OPTN site
http://www.charityguide.org
In an attempt to be balanced. Really, I have offerend so many pro donation links this one link that may offer an opposite stance isn't really balanced, per se.
http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/val/val_15organdonation.html
http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/val/val_26dyingtodonate.html
I will say, I am not 100% sure the mission of the above web site. I think it is pro life in essence and organ donation MAY not be something they support. Again, I offer it as a "on the surface" opposition.
In my attempt to be legitimate (see an earlier blog post) I feel that everyone is responsible for their own decision. This project for me is to elicit conversation. A verbal awareness. No matter what the decision might become, you must talk to your family about it.
FYI for all of you that do come to the point that blogger is not available, I am mirroring (copying) this blog over on wordpress http://causaleffect.wordpress.com I know it's a lot of web sites. But that's what favorites and bookmarks are for right......
**********************
Here is
another blog I ran across.
Read farther down about a trend being reported in Hawaii. I guess it might be paradise, but at what cost? http://lifesharers.blogspot.com
This link almost brought me to tears.
http://cbs4denver.com/health/local_story_017085052.html
Something Georgia is trying (the post not the site)
http://www.marginalrevolution.com
Another donation site but has differing numbers than what I get from the OPTN site
http://www.charityguide.org
In an attempt to be balanced. Really, I have offerend so many pro donation links this one link that may offer an opposite stance isn't really balanced, per se.
http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/val/val_15organdonation.html
http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/val/val_26dyingtodonate.html
I will say, I am not 100% sure the mission of the above web site. I think it is pro life in essence and organ donation MAY not be something they support. Again, I offer it as a "on the surface" opposition.
In my attempt to be legitimate (see an earlier blog post) I feel that everyone is responsible for their own decision. This project for me is to elicit conversation. A verbal awareness. No matter what the decision might become, you must talk to your family about it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
In a handbasket
I guess two good days a week are all I am allotted. [sic]???
I headed out after work to see if I could find someone I could talk to and get a portrait for the project. I have taken my camera to lunch twice but haven't had opportunities for any pictures and of course I get ribbing form my co workers. "What's in the suitcase?", "You moving out?", "Are you coming back?" blah blah blah. I can take that kind of stuff.
So, I figured I would hit B&N again to see if JPG was on the shelves and see if there was someone I could talk to about the project. I wandered around quickly, looking for the mag, a photo business book and other misc items that might catch my eye. Alas, nothing. The employee said JPG the magazine isn't a regularly carried item. Bummer. I guess I will have to get a subscription and wait another 6 weeks to get it. It's already a bi-monthly publication so I am jonesing for issue #9 already.
So there I am heading from the magazines to the computer section and I happen across a woman browsing books. It is a book store after all.
I offer my card and I actually get to see her eye to eye. Once word. Stunning.
Normally I may observe someone for a minute or two then approach them. She was random as I was walking by. I offered her my card and immediately I could see the trepidation.
Uh oh, a stranger....
I quickly informed her about the One-A-Day-2007 project and asked if she was a donor. With enthusiasm she replied with a "yes". We talked a bit more and I offered her my history, and brought her current regarding my desire to bring about awareness as well as my clean bill of health. Regarding my Hemochromotosis, that is.
As we talked, I noticed a small swarm of employees busily restocking books right next to us. Funny, they never seem to be doing that until a few people are chatting together. Maybe it's me. I am sure that being a corporate store, they are a bit stuffy and protective. I accept that.
If I follow every rule, I will, as a photographer, never get the picture. I have to push the envelope. The project in it's essence is difficult for me. But the eventual outcome, will hopefully, be worth the effort.
Back to the story. As we talked, she felt more at ease but questioned the need for a picture (as opposed to just straight conversation). It was a question I didn't expect. Ever. Well, I am a photographer and it's what I thought of using as a medium for the project. There ya go.
She eventually declined the photo opportunity. But I implored her to keep the card and stop by the site and link to the blog. Perhaps someday, she will offer a few minutes of her time for a portrait.
I never did get her name. But that's not important. It's the message and a bit of hope for the nearly 95, 000 people waiting for an organ right now.
Especially for the 5,000 that may die this year while on the list.
So, I was pretty bummed regarding that result. I headed home, with another empty day. As I neared home, I see a sign in front of our local seasonal ice cream stand. The business is for lease. To me that means they aren't going to open this spring.
THAT SUCKS!
One of the highlights of this town is the Frosty Delights store where we will literally walk down the hill and across the street in a summer evening and have an ice cream treat. My daughter will be heartbroken. It will be akin to losing a family pet. I hope they are just feeling out the options. But last fall, they mentioned several times about selling. We just didn't think it would be so soon.
.sigh.
I headed out after work to see if I could find someone I could talk to and get a portrait for the project. I have taken my camera to lunch twice but haven't had opportunities for any pictures and of course I get ribbing form my co workers. "What's in the suitcase?", "You moving out?", "Are you coming back?" blah blah blah. I can take that kind of stuff.
So, I figured I would hit B&N again to see if JPG was on the shelves and see if there was someone I could talk to about the project. I wandered around quickly, looking for the mag, a photo business book and other misc items that might catch my eye. Alas, nothing. The employee said JPG the magazine isn't a regularly carried item. Bummer. I guess I will have to get a subscription and wait another 6 weeks to get it. It's already a bi-monthly publication so I am jonesing for issue #9 already.
So there I am heading from the magazines to the computer section and I happen across a woman browsing books. It is a book store after all.
I offer my card and I actually get to see her eye to eye. Once word. Stunning.
Normally I may observe someone for a minute or two then approach them. She was random as I was walking by. I offered her my card and immediately I could see the trepidation.
Uh oh, a stranger....
I quickly informed her about the One-A-Day-2007 project and asked if she was a donor. With enthusiasm she replied with a "yes". We talked a bit more and I offered her my history, and brought her current regarding my desire to bring about awareness as well as my clean bill of health. Regarding my Hemochromotosis, that is.
As we talked, I noticed a small swarm of employees busily restocking books right next to us. Funny, they never seem to be doing that until a few people are chatting together. Maybe it's me. I am sure that being a corporate store, they are a bit stuffy and protective. I accept that.
If I follow every rule, I will, as a photographer, never get the picture. I have to push the envelope. The project in it's essence is difficult for me. But the eventual outcome, will hopefully, be worth the effort.
Back to the story. As we talked, she felt more at ease but questioned the need for a picture (as opposed to just straight conversation). It was a question I didn't expect. Ever. Well, I am a photographer and it's what I thought of using as a medium for the project. There ya go.
She eventually declined the photo opportunity. But I implored her to keep the card and stop by the site and link to the blog. Perhaps someday, she will offer a few minutes of her time for a portrait.
I never did get her name. But that's not important. It's the message and a bit of hope for the nearly 95, 000 people waiting for an organ right now.
Especially for the 5,000 that may die this year while on the list.
So, I was pretty bummed regarding that result. I headed home, with another empty day. As I neared home, I see a sign in front of our local seasonal ice cream stand. The business is for lease. To me that means they aren't going to open this spring.
THAT SUCKS!
One of the highlights of this town is the Frosty Delights store where we will literally walk down the hill and across the street in a summer evening and have an ice cream treat. My daughter will be heartbroken. It will be akin to losing a family pet. I hope they are just feeling out the options. But last fall, they mentioned several times about selling. We just didn't think it would be so soon.
.sigh.
I love this idea
Textbooks for school is a RACKET. I love Virginia's idea.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher or a TinyURL here.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher or a TinyURL here.
Legitimacy, how, who and when
Legitimacy is something that I have contemplated for some time. But now as I am in the throes of my One-A-Day-2007 organ donation awareness project, I think of it more often.
As the "Scooter" Libby trial begins in Washington DC, there are two bloggers that have access to the trial alongside 98 other "traditional journalists". Here is a link to the Washington Post article http://www.washingtonpost.com or a TinyURL of the above link.
How can I compare? Well, granted my project isn't at the level of a white house scandal. But I do hope that this awareness photo project brings about a positive effect. The effect can only happen if people actually talk about organ donation and of course that is what the scope of the project is all about.
.whew.
As I approach people, I am sure one of the first things that pops into their minds is "why am I being bothered?" Secondly, "is this guy for real?" Then, it's probably "how do I get rid of him?"
They are standing there, nervous, with a business card in hand with a bunch of words and a long URL to a web site. Why did I use a free site? It was there. Why two sites? It's what I wanted to do. Was it a good idea? In hindsight, perhaps not. I am sure most people will not see a www causaleffect com address and think, HUH?! Others, don't care or notice.
How does this tie in with legitimacy? Well, where does legitimacy come from? Peers? The industry? Who? Who has the power to legitimize something? When do you know you are legitimate? Does something come in the mail like a belt buckle that says "You have arrived!" wear this hat/shirt/belt buckle/whatever with pride.
I hope site hits will help. I know it's silly, but having more people view the blog and photos on flickr and sharing the story will spread the site. But since it's not a good joke, get rich scheme or really funny YouTube video. I'm not sure how to go viral.
I guess stay the course and let time take care of it.
As the "Scooter" Libby trial begins in Washington DC, there are two bloggers that have access to the trial alongside 98 other "traditional journalists". Here is a link to the Washington Post article http://www.washingtonpost.com or a TinyURL of the above link.
How can I compare? Well, granted my project isn't at the level of a white house scandal. But I do hope that this awareness photo project brings about a positive effect. The effect can only happen if people actually talk about organ donation and of course that is what the scope of the project is all about.
.whew.
As I approach people, I am sure one of the first things that pops into their minds is "why am I being bothered?" Secondly, "is this guy for real?" Then, it's probably "how do I get rid of him?"
They are standing there, nervous, with a business card in hand with a bunch of words and a long URL to a web site. Why did I use a free site? It was there. Why two sites? It's what I wanted to do. Was it a good idea? In hindsight, perhaps not. I am sure most people will not see a www causaleffect com address and think, HUH?! Others, don't care or notice.
How does this tie in with legitimacy? Well, where does legitimacy come from? Peers? The industry? Who? Who has the power to legitimize something? When do you know you are legitimate? Does something come in the mail like a belt buckle that says "You have arrived!" wear this hat/shirt/belt buckle/whatever with pride.
I hope site hits will help. I know it's silly, but having more people view the blog and photos on flickr and sharing the story will spread the site. But since it's not a good joke, get rich scheme or really funny YouTube video. I'm not sure how to go viral.
I guess stay the course and let time take care of it.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
It's easy givin it's tough gettin
Here's an article about signing up for various web sites, accounts and services. It written by a journalist that signed up and tried to cancel these "services".
http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2244490
It's an interesting read for sure, not at all surprising, but interesting.
http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2244490
It's an interesting read for sure, not at all surprising, but interesting.
The things you find
Okay, I'm sort of on a roll. Really, I am unfortunately getting away from the focus of 'this' blog that is organ donation. But I see things and I have to share. It's who I am.
I was on a MySpace page of one of my classmates. As I was perusing the page, I saw a familiar face. It was my cousins wife. I checked out her myspace page, then her artistic page, which of course can be seen here http://www.dawnhatchett.com. Both she and my cousin are very talented in so many ways. It was really neat to see her wonderful works. Again, it has been so many years since we have been in the same room. Possibly even 15 or 20 years. It can't be so.....but alas, it could have been that long.
It's kind of a shame if you ask me. But that is life as we know it. Hopefully, the internet can bring some of us closer with web pages and the rare email message.
Those of you that stop by, leave a comment. I would love to know what your up to.
.thanks.
I was on a MySpace page of one of my classmates. As I was perusing the page, I saw a familiar face. It was my cousins wife. I checked out her myspace page, then her artistic page, which of course can be seen here http://www.dawnhatchett.com. Both she and my cousin are very talented in so many ways. It was really neat to see her wonderful works. Again, it has been so many years since we have been in the same room. Possibly even 15 or 20 years. It can't be so.....but alas, it could have been that long.
It's kind of a shame if you ask me. But that is life as we know it. Hopefully, the internet can bring some of us closer with web pages and the rare email message.
Those of you that stop by, leave a comment. I would love to know what your up to.
.thanks.
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