Eclipse Experiences

Eclipse Experiences

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

No comments

     My sister, her husband and daughter watched eagerly from the first "slice," through totality, and until the sun was fully restored. A "once in a lifetime" experience.

     I hope you were able to view the eclipse, either partial or in totality, as the moon’s shadow passed over North America on April 8, 2024. I traveled to Westfield, NY, which was in the Path of Totality. I went to a local park with my sister and her family. Although the day was partly cloudy, there were enough breaks in the clouds to see all the phases, including totality. As the moon's shadow passed over us, the streetlights came on! It was noticeably cooler and we were glad we had dressed warmly. Due to the clouds, we could not see much of the coronal streamers, but the experience was amazing! 

     My first encounter with a total solar eclipse was August 21, 2017. I made the Great American Road Trip from Philadelphia to Wyoming with my younger son. He was 19 at the time, and had just passed his driver’s test the week before we started out. Three weeks on interstate highways with a newly minted driver is an experience in itself. Anyway, people who knew I was going to see the eclipse said, “Take a picture for me.” There is no way a picture, or even a video with special filters, can capture the awesome majesty of a total solar eclipse. You have to experience it. As the shadow passed over us, the blazing light of summer midday in the Wyoming high country suddenly turned to twilight. My friend Kate made a video as the shadow overcame us. The link is below.

     At the very end of the video, you can hear another person in our group whisper, “We can take our glasses off now.” It was safe to remove the eclipse glasses once the moon fully covered the orb of the sun. We saw the corona, the streams of light only visible during a total eclipse, blazing out. This lasted only less than five minutes. Then, the positions of the sun and moon changed, the corona disappeared, and we immediately replaced our glasses to protect our eyes from the damaging rays.

Click here to connect to 2017 eclipse

     As I posted on February 14, the eclipse in itself is a testimony of God's amazing creative power. I also see a spiritual parallel, which I will share next week. 

As the shadow passed on, and the light returned, I needed my eclipse glasses once again.

Want to know more about solar eclipses? Use this link to see the PBS show NOVA: The Great American Eclipse. Totality cool science (and AWESOME God)

https://youtu.be/WTfQpdTD_3M?si=xq99AOjzCLLbQE3L

    

Read More

Give Life Month; Organ Donation

Give Life Month; Organ Donation

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

No comments

 

PRAYING FOR AN ORGAN TRANSPLANT

By Gail K. Kachnycz; 8 March 2021, update 29 March 2024 

     Sometimes the life of someone with chronic illness can be transformed with an organ transplant. Choosing to be a live donor, or even give the organs of a loved one who has died, is a great sacrifice. April is Give Life Month; here are some thoughts on how to pray regarding organ donation. 

     Very few types of organs can be removed from a living donor; one kidney is the most common. One lung, or a portion of the liver, pancreas, or intestine can be taken from a living donor. In each case, the surgery is elective, that is, voluntary, and not necessary to improve the health of the donor. In addition, the donor chooses to undergo the risks of anesthesia, surgery, and the changes to their own health after the operation. Living donors are true heroes. 

     The vast majority of organs are “cadaver” donations. That is, vital organs needed for transplantation are harvested from a person who has had severe traumatic injury resulting in brain death. Examples of organs obtained in these cases are: heart, heart valve, both lungs, corneas, and bone tissue. A prayer for these types of organs to be supplied is, in a way, a prayer for someone to die. 

     How then, should we pray? God has provided wisdom to doctors and scientists to explore the possibilities of transplantation, and these procedures can be life-saving or greatly improve the quality of life of the recipient. If you know someone who needs a transplant, I would suggest the following guidelines: 

FOR LIVING DONORS

1. Thank God for their generosity and true demonstration of love. In some cases, the recipient is not a relative and the donor is helping a stranger. Ask God to bless them, and draw them closer to God (and saving faith, if they have not taken that step).

2. Ask God to protect them from complications of anesthesia, surgery, and the changes in their own health status after the operation.

3. If direct contact is permitted between donor and recipient (if they are unrelated to each other), seek to bless the donor with expressions of thanks. 

FOR DONORS WHO ARE DECEASED

1. Pray for the families of the organ donor. If the injured person did not designate themselves as a donor, the family may be approached to authorize donation. Of necessity, this takes place at a time of crisis for the family. Pray that they would be comforted by the Lord, and that they would understand the blessing that the recipients will receive.

2. Pray for people to become aware of the option to donate organs in the event of their death. In Pennsylvania, citizens have the option to designate organ donation every time their driver’s license is renewed. Motor vehicle crashes sometimes result in the types of injuries that are fatal. It is not pleasant to think about, but planning for someone else to be blessed is an act of generosity.

3. Pray that the health of the organs can be preserved as they are harvested, matched, and transported. Time is of the essence. 

FOR BOTH TYPES

1. Pray for skill and wisdom for the transplant team. Pray that the surgery will take place without complication.

2. Pray that recovery would be without complication and that the organ would not be rejected.

3. If direct contact is permitted between the recipient and the donor’s family, seek to bless the family with expressions of thanks. Uphold them as they go through the process of grieving their loved one. The decision to donate organs, whether specified by the donor or made by the family, may be difficult to think about. The family may wonder if they made the right decision, if they did not know the wishes of their loved one. 

FOR YOURSELF: Consider becoming an organ donor.

1. Check if that option is available the next time your driver’s license is renewed. Or, sign up at:

www.organdonor.gov/ 

2. Discuss your decision with your family so they are aware of your desire to donate organs. 

“Don’t take your organs to heaven; heaven knows we need them here.”

  quoted by Maxie Scully 

The story of Maxie Scully by Meghan Scully

https://meghannmix.com/2017/03/30/dont-take-your-organs-to-heaven-heaven-knows-we-need-them-here/ 

For a Biblical perspective on organ donation:

Does Judaism Allow Organ Donation?

https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/302635?lang=bi

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/organ-donation-and-judaism/

Read More

Introducing... A Boomer Hero

Introducing... A Boomer Hero

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

No comments

 

INTRODUCING…A BOOMER HERO 

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 28 March 2024 

     Pictured with me is Jean Kirkley, CEO/Facilitator of Boomers ‘R Heroes, an organization that provides support groups and services to caregivers. Jean was the caregiver for her husband as he contended with kidney failure for over three years. Jean donated a kidney to her husband, so it is especially appropriate that we introduce her during April/Give Life Month.

     Like me, Jean learned much during her time of caregiving and advocacy that she wanted to share with other caregivers. Boomers ‘R Heroes was founded in 2011, and is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit. Her contact information is listed below. The website includes this helpful content: Resources, Training & Coaching, WeCare4U Advocate service, Blue Suitcase Drill, and more.

     “Blue Suitcase Drill” may be a confusing term, but I found this especially helpful, as it is a checklist for end of life and funeral preparation. It is a difficult topic, but having this guideline to help prepare makes the task easier for those responsible. A funeral or memorial service can focus on the character and life of the individual when the details are handled in advance.

     Jean also facilitates support groups for caregivers, including those who have lost loved ones. They are conducted both in person and by Zoom, which is especially helpful since many caregivers find it difficult to leave their loved one to attend a meeting. Jean’s care and warmth are evident to all who participate. Each individual is given an opportunity to share. Jean has a depth of experience in offering practical solutions or options. Caregivers often establish connections with others who attend.

     Boomers ‘R Heroes provides support for caregivers and connections to others with similar experiences. I encourage you to check this organization for resources, help, and most of all, care and understanding.

Jean Kirkley, CEO/Facilitator

Boomers 'R Heroes Caregivers Support Groups

brh2011jck@gmail.com

WeCare4U Advocates

brhwc4c@gmail.com 

jean.kirkley@gmail.com

www.boomersrheroes.org
215-758-7305
501(c)(3) Non-Profit

You don’t know what you don’t know until you need it.

That’s caregiving’s definition.

Read More

EASTER DAWN

EASTER DAWN

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

No comments

 

Photo: Gail K. Kachnycz; Easter Dawn Purple. Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Cheltenham PA 

EASTER DAWN

By Gail K. Kachnycz on 2 April 2024 

     Three A.M…Four A.M…Five A.M…I was having a restless night and anticipating a busy Easter day. First, attending the Easter worship service and providing transportation for an elderly couple to the church and back to their home. During the afternoon and evening there would be a gathering of extended family for the holiday meal. I was preparing food to bring. Sleep continued to evade me. At ten minutes to six, I decided to get up. I had wanted to get a special sunrise photo for my blog. When I was sleeping well, I avoided getting up before dawn, but since I was awake and needed to prepare for the day ahead, I pulled on some casual pants and tied up my gardening shoes.

     As I stepped outside, I noted that the sky seemed a uniform gray. An overcast sky would prevent the illumination I wanted for the photo. Hoping that there would be breaks in the clouds, I jumped in my car and headed out into the predawn darkness. The idea for the photo was the contrast of a cemetery symbolizing death and despair, with the light of dawn bringing hope. It seemed particularly significant that the morning I set out to do this was Easter morning.

     The cemetery was only about a mile away. As I pulled up toward the gate, the car passed through fog resting in the low lying areas of the roadway. Fog would also ruin the chances for a good image. I drove through the gate and parked where the asphalt lane changed to a grassy path. I stepped out into a cold March morning and began walking through the damp grass.

     Although the cemetery was in my neighborhood and I had driven past it countless times, I had never walked through it before. Once inside, I found myself surrounded by trees and small family mausoleums that might obscure the skyline. Most of the headstones were no more than two or three feet high. Would there be a monument tall enough to silhouette against the sky? I was also hoping for clouds, as they provide a sense of depth and also the illuminating effect I wanted. There was a gray bank of clouds along the west, but the eastern horizon seemed clear and empty. As I walked along, I prayed that the Lord would guide me to the place where the sunlight would appear behind a grave marker with a cross. I scanned across the headstones. Most were plain, but along a ridge there were more ornate monuments, and I saw the outline of a cross. Walking through a graveyard in the darkness and mist seemed like something out of a Sherlock Holmes mystery, but I was not afraid. I kept heading toward the east and focusing on the outline of the cross.

     As I drew nearer to the monument, I noticed a faint wisp, almost just a line, of clouds low in the eastern sky. I positioned myself in front of the monument pedestal, with the cloud behind the cross. For twenty minutes, I stood in the damp and cold, transfixed as the increasing light of dawn illuminated the cloud with changing shades of pink and purple, cream and peach. I took pictures at intervals, but my phone camera just could not capture the delicate nuances of the early light of the edge of dawn. Finally, at sunrise, the sky faded to pale blue and the cloud was only a filmy white wisp. In the light of day, I saw the inscription at the base of the pedestal supporting the cross. It was only one word, no date of birth or death, just the family title, “KING.”

    I could write another full essay on all the lessons that I saw in this experience. Let me state the most important in just a few sentences.

The empty cross, and Christ’s resurrection, defeats death and the darkness that surrounds us. It points us to hope. And finally, at our journey’s end, we will see that the KING was guiding us through it all.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 NASB2020     

Read More