Proclamations by local governments may be worthy to just those involved, or they can make a statement that needs to be noted.

This past Tuesday, the Decatur County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation that April is “Donate Life Month.” This same type proclamation is scheduled for Tuesday at the Bainbridge City Council meeting.

Also worthy of note is that April 10-16 is National Hospice Volunteer Week, which was marked by a Bainbridge City Council proclamation on April 14.

The “Donate Life Month” and “National Hospice Volunteer Week” are worthwhile causes.

June Faircloth’s 18-year-old son, Dylan, died in a traffic accident almost a year ago, and yet he still lives on in a sense. Dylan was an organ donor, and his unfortunate death has raised the awareness of how important it is to become an organ donor.

Because of Dylan and a decision he made when he received his driver’s license, a retired football coach has his heart and living well to this day. Two mothers, who were on kidney dialysis treatment, received his kidneys and are doing fine, a mechanic in Georgia received his liver and an 11-year-old boy received his cornea.

According to a figure in the proclamation, 9,838 citizens in Decatur County have registered to donate their organs if something should happen to them.

So yes, there is a way to live after dying.

And about the living, unless you have been touched by hospice, there’s no way to describe how important these volunteers, nurses and the aides are to the people they touch.

Last Thursday, a group of volunteers with Hospice of Southwest Georgia were recognized, and there are more within our community who volunteer their time to comfort those who are sick and those who are dying.

The city’s proclamation states that hospice volunteers understand every person is an unique individual with a lifetime of experiences, relationships and gifts to share.

And we as a community are the beneficiaries of those giving of their time and giving of themselves. Thank you!