Save a life posthumously
July 25, 2007
Most people probably do not think twice when asked if they will like to be an Organ and Tissue Donor when getting a Driver’s Licence or Learner’s Permit.
For me, the thought of someone cutting me open to get my heart or other organ in the event of my death irks me out.
When I went to get my Learner’s Permit, I had already decided that when asked if I would like to be an Organ and Tissue Donor, I would say no.
I had a change of heart mere seconds before the question was asked; that is when I considered that I have an aunt who is alive today thanks to an organ donor and an uncle who is on a waiting list to receive an organ.
According to organdonor.gov, as of 9pm tonight, there are close to 100,000 candidates in the United States on a waiting list to receive an organ.
Find out how to become an Organ and Tissue Donor here
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
The beauty of silence
July 16, 2007
I just got back from jogging on the North Branch Trail. It is a paved path draped on one side by lush green trees and embraced by the banks of a river on the other side.
The serenity that warmly greets me every time I step unto the trail is often complemented by tree branches dancing in the wind and the melodious chirps coming from birds aplenty.
Secluded; the trail is probably one of my neighborhood’s best kept secrets. Tucked away is the noise that comes from vehicular traffic, cell phones, pagers and everything else that beeps,creaks and shrieks.
Mother Theresa once said that “we need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence…”
Step out into nature today and you can experience the beauty of silence.
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
The best fish sandwich!
July 15, 2007
Yesterday, the Travel Channel featured the cuisine from my country of birth; Trinidad & Tobago; including what the host said was the “best fish sandwich in the world”, known to locals as ‘Bake and Shark’.
To put it simply, a Bake and Shark Sandwich is a fried dough pocket, filled with shark nuggets. The sandwich is complete when you add tamarind chutney, coleslaw, marinated cucumbers, pineapple chunks, garlic sauce and mango chutney.
Sounds delicious eh? Wanting to have one myself, I called up a couple friends and we headed to Teddy’s Roti Shop. There, they have some of the best Caribbean food in the DC area.
Funny thing, when we got to the restaurant, there were two other people who saw the same television program and went there to get some Bake and Shark too! It’s that great tasting!
Promise me one thing, before you die, have a Bake and Shark Sandwich. It rocks!
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
I’m back on the assembly line!
July 12, 2007
Today, for the first time in about a month, I went to the gym. I feel great!
With about fifteen pounds to lose, my plan is to hit the gym at least four times a week and pay more attention to what I eat.
Wish me luck!
Akhenaton
Read a related article here
Spread the joy!
July 11, 2007
The Bible says that a joyful heart is good medicine. It’s good medicine for the heart and the soul!
In her book, ‘The Secret’, Rhonda Byrne says that “laughter attracts joy (and) releases negativity…”
I went to a birthday party recently where eighty percent of the guests did not show up. The host was disappointed, depressed and even crying! That was until a few of the party goers (me included) intervened and literally dragged her out of her bedroom so that she could be part of her own party.
We were determined that we were not there for a pity party, but a birthday party! Towards the end, she was on the dance floor with everyone else, having a good time. We were successful in spreading our joy to her!
You see, a joyful heart is not only good medicine for you and I; it ultimately spreads to those around us!
Today, spread the joy. Smile or mouth the word ‘hello’ to a stranger, give someone a hug or tell a loved one that you love them.
Proclaim today that the joy that God has given to you, the world has NO POWER to take it away; others will see it and thirst for it.
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
It’s been 2 decades and 6 years!
July 4, 2007
Time flies, doesn’t it? 26 years have gone by since I took the picture to the left; I was two months old!
Today, July 04, 2007, I celebrate my birthday….my 26th birthday!
I am truly grateful for my friends, my family and everyone else who has blessed me over the years.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and everyone of you for your continued love and support.
Most importantly, I thank you for the gift of you!
With love and from my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
"I want to die!!!"
July 3, 2007
No, not me, but those were the words an eight year old girl shouted to me in the most angry tone yesterday.
Seconds later, she proceeded to block her mouth with one hand and nostrils with the other. Scary eh?
She complained to me before that she is teased a lot. What I would typically do is listen to her grievances and give the ‘sticks and stones may break my bones’ lecture.
What she said and did today warranted a different response so I gave her a hug, asked a couple questions, including, but limited to ‘what’s wrong and have you ever felt this way before’. Later on, I spoke with her parents and suggested that she receive counseling.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people (ages 10 to 24).
Chances are, we will have to deal with someone who is suicidal at one point (or more) in our lifetime. So what should we do if faced with this? Below are some helpful resources.
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
Resources
- 1-800-SUICIDE
- Suicide warning signs
- How to help a suicidal person
