Subj: Cadaver Article
Date: 6/19/00 10:08:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Marisa Laws
To: theinspirations@aol.com

    Since 1964, the Inspirations have blessed crowds of people from all walks of life with their impeccable harmony. During their many years of serving the Lord, the quartet has spread the Gospel message in song in churches, school auditoriums, outdoor events, coliseums, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., at even at Dr. Billy Graham's home.

    On April 10, 2000, they added a most unusual service to their list. This service was held on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC and was unique in two ways.

    First, the "original" Inspirations consisting of Archie Watkins, Jack Laws, Ron Hutchins, and Troy Burns were reunited. Seldom do their schedules allow them to get back together to sing as a group.

    Second, the service was for six cadavers. These human bodies were unselfishly donated for medical science, and students in the Masters of Physical Therapy Class of 2001 at WCU dissected the cadavers to study how the different parts of the human body look and function. Students may then apply what they have learned to better help people with special physical needs through the use of therapy.

    The Masters of Physical Therapy students strongly felt they should show their appreciation and respect for the cadavers. They did this through small group presentations. The presentations included Bible readings from I Corinthians 15:35 - 44 and Psalms 16:8-11; reciting poetry, including 'I'm Free' and 'Life is for Living'; reading a well-known children's book, The Giving Tree with drum accompaniment; and by lighting candles, offering flowers and scattering wildflower seeds.

    Several unselfish acts that deserve recognition also took place at the memorial dedication for six of God's creations who had courageously donated their own bodies in hopes of helping others.

    First, the Inspirations unselfishly gave of their time and talents to stand and sing in a grassy dell at a small, local university surrounded only by twenty physical therapy students and several professors. With only this small crowd in attendance, the quartet sang 'Jesus Savior, Pilot Me', 'He'll Hold My Hand', and 'Amazing Grace' accapella to help the Physical Therapy students show their respect to the six individuals who made such a tremendous sacrifice.

   On behalf of WCU's Masters of Physical Therapy Class of 2001, I would like to say it was indeed a high honor to have the Inspirations join us in our service. They are true "Inspirations!"