Who: He goes by the name, Manu
Where: Bhubaneswar, India . . . . ” is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Odisha. The region, especially the old town, was historically often depicted as Ekamra Khetra. Bhubaneswar is dubbed the “Temple City”—a nickname earned because of the 700 temples which once stood there.”
What: Liver donation to his father
“When Papa was diagnosed with liver failure, I was shocked! He never smoked or drank. And when the doctor said, ‘Without a donor, he only has 6 months to live’ I was shattered. Papa meant everything to me and when he broke down, I felt helpless. He’d tell me, ‘I don’t want to die. I want to see you graduate!’
Our home became morose.
And during that time, the 2nd COVID wave was at its peak. To make our situation worse, I got the virus. While isolating, I’d cry, ’I can’t be there for Dad when he needs me most!’ We were running out of time! To keep Papa positive, I’d video call him from my room and let him beat me in Ludo. We’d reassure each other that we’ll get through this.
But after I recovered, Papa got the virus! It felt as if everything was going against us. Papa was rushed to the hospital regularly and I’d sit beside him and study for my exams. I just couldn’t bear to see Dad suffer anymore! So I told my family, ‘I’m going to save him. I’ll donate my liver!’
Fortunately, I was a match, but I had a fatty liver. I had to donate 65% of my liver for him to survive. So I started exercising and eating healthy to be a fit donor. After several tests, I was told I was healthy for surgery! I was relieved beyond belief and when I gave Papa the good news, he sobbed!
Despite being scared for his own life, Papa told me, ‘You have your whole life ahead of you! What if you develop health complications? I won’t forgive myself!’ But I reassured Papa, ‘Your battle is now mine. And we’re not going to lose!’
We used all our savings worth Rs. 20 lakh for the surgery (1 lakh = $15,000 USD). It was difficult for Maa, she cried, ‘Both my lifelines are going into surgery!’ Knowing we could both possibly lose our lives made Papa and I anxious. But Papa would joke, ‘I can’t wait to beat you in ludo again when this is over!’ Papa’s positivity helped me concentrate on my studies and I passed my exams!
And 2 days before our surgery, I graduated! Papa was overjoyed and said, ‘I was scared I wouldn’t see this day. You’ve made me the happiest father in the world!’ We had only one more test to pass and I prayed for the surgery to go smoothly.
When I woke up after my surgery, I remember looking at the doctor expectantly. And when he said, ‘You’ve saved your father!’ I cried happy tears.
When Papa and I saw each other’s scars, he said, ‘We fought this battle together and won!’ The tension we felt for months had evaporated. And in fact, the journey to recovery was actually fun. We learnt how to operate our wheelchairs together and spent hours trying to beat each other at Ludo.
Today, we’re both fit. If this experience has taught us anything, it’s that life is uncertain and that family is everything… except probably if it’s a game of Ludo; then it’s all about winning!” [1]
^
Key Illustrative Thoughts:
- Father’s Day
- salvation
- love
- giving
- family
- death / dying
- funerals
- worry / anxiety
- risk
- eternal life
- the Gospel
- resurrection
^
Sermonic Example:
(include whatever details you find useful)
. . . . We understand sacrificial love and family . . . but how about for non-family, how about those who have no interest in us, how about an enemy . . . how about Romans 5:7 — “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die . But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The Gospel is the story of a Father who saved us, and made us His sons and daughters. My Father saved me!
^
Other Information & Links:
“The story moved people, anyone who read the post. They appreciated how the young man saved his father with a sacrifice. A few others commented that they too had done the same for a family member. The father, who received the donation, wrote below the post: “I am very proud to have you as my son. You have set an example for the entire world by giving the best gift on Father’s day to a father.”
The donor, who identifies himself as ‘Manu’ (on Instagram), wrote: ‘This is the ONE and will be the only biggest achievement of my life, To save you, To give you your life back, To give you a new life, to give you my liver, to give you my everything, I’ve won this battle dad. I’ve won you. I’ve won everyone in our family. And also I’ve won myself. I got a tag of “Living Organ Donor”.
— https://www.facebook.com/humansofbombay/posts/1790536874488615
RhetoricAndHomiletics.Org 