When my father died in April he left nothing in place. I am still dealing with his estate and selling off the assets. We made a decision, the day he died to donate his eyes. They were the only organ that was in good enough condition to, after his heart attack, to donate. The Moran Eye Center, Utah Lions Eye Bank told us they would let us know the disposition of his eyes. If the components were not transplantable, they would be used for research. I received the following letter in the mail yesterday:
I was thrilled and somewhat emotional to read that my father's eyes had helped to provide sight to two people who had been blind. I wish I could blame this selfless act on him. Unfortunately, he did not discuss donation with us prior to his death. His driver's license proudly proclaimed him a veteran but not a donor. He exhibited a "me first" libertarian attitude that was magnified in the several years before his death. Three out the the four of us children are atheist and believe his legacy would be continued through his memory and whatever goodness he left behind. It was only because we were asked that we donated. In our grief we did not have the forethought to seek out the eye bank. The four of us, without hesitation, determined it was the right thing to do. Now, two people will see thanks to the selflessness of Parley's children and the vehicle of his eyes. We miss him every day but at least out of the senselessness of his death came some good that we can, in our own way, celebrate.
Utah residents can register here: https://www.yesutah.org/register/ I am a donor and my spouse is as well. We are encouraging everyone to do the same.
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