I have been giving blood pretty regularly for about 6 years now. Many years ago I gave blood several times and each time got dizzy and hot and felt icky, so I quit doing it. Six years ago I decided to try again and found that if I drink plenty of water beforehand I don't have that reaction. So I go. Because I can.
I read the long list of requirements for blood donation, because they make you read it each time, regardless of how many times you have donated. Then, as I wait for my name to be called I have a brief moment of panic, thinking about the large needle, and consider just quietly getting up and walking out the door, but I don't. I pick up a magazine from the display and take it into the donation area to distract myself. I like to find a New Yorker, which I don't often see and always has something good to read in it. I discovered awhile ago that if you start reading a New Yorker story, and don't finish it, you can always find it online later. Today I started reading this story and just finished it online this evening. It was an odd story, but I was attracted to the illustration.
The phlebotomist that took my blood today told me that before I came in this morning, she had taken blood from an 85 year-old man who told her that this would complete 20 gallons of blood he had donated and with that he was quitting. He told her that he regretted not having gone into a profession that helped people and that is why he started donating blood. He said he wished late in his life that he had become a policeman or firefighter and could have saved peoples' lives. She said he had probably saved many more lives with his blood donations than any single firefighter ever had. I liked that story. I was glad I hadn't walked out when I had the chance.
So, be nice to me. I gave blood today!
As a cancer survivor who can not give blood, I thank you!! I will be nice to you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!! I used to give blood. Then I moved to Europe and now I can't because of that long list. I'll be nice to you too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't give blood - but I thank you for doing it. I have received 9 transfusions in my life - and those who give blood are saving lives every day! Thank you!!!!
ReplyDelete::sends you niceness::
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That in itself is a perfect little story, Terry.
ReplyDeleteLast time I tried to donate blood was 20-plus years ago; they told me I was borderline anemic and couldn't do it. I should find out whether that's still the case.
Oh, Terry, you just reminded me of the day I met my husband, some 40+++ years ago. It was our first term of college and I was sitting with his fraternity brothers when a bunch of them came into the cafeteria after donating to the campus blood drive. Paul struck up a conversation but he kept passing out. Not a good first impression. He hasn't given blood since.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Terry! I've donated 4 gallons worth of blood, and I used to work in a blood bank setting up blood drives. Donating blood is a wonderful thing to do!
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