Those who can...DO.

After a long day at work I headed to the store to pick up a few things for dinner and then began to make my way home. I was hungry and tired, until...I passed by the local church and saw that the American Red Cross was having a blood drive there. All of a sudden, my hunger and fatigue faded and I pulled into the the parking lot of the church.

Without an appointment I walked inside and was warmly welcomed, as always. I checked in, read the required paperwork, answered the routine questions, got my finger pricked...PASSED the iron levels test, and DONATED my pint of blood.

Wouldn't you know it...as I was laying there on the donation table, guess who popped into my thoughts {insert Jeopardy theme song here}...you guessed it...my Mom.

I got to thinking about how much she LOVED veins...the good ones that're easy to spot, and those tough ones that are barely visible. Those were her favorites because they gave most nurses quite a challenge...but they were NEVER a challenge for her. My mom could start an I.V. on ANYBODY. Young or old...didn't matter...she'd find that vein!

So anyhoo...I laid there hooked up and squeezing until my bag was full...and my heart was fuller.

I love being a donor, and I especially love the fact that as an "O-" universal donor, I can give to ANYONE. That comes as no surprise. God gave me the blood type that matches my personality.

I understand that there are many folks who, for various reasons, don't donate blood. I pretty much understand all but ONE reason...FEAR. I've heard people say, "Oh no...I'm afraid of needles", or, "I'm afraid of blood." For those folks I've got a little secret..."DON'T LOOK AT THE NEEDLE AND DON'T LOOK AT THE BLOOD. LOOK THE OTHER WAY!"

Anyhoo...I'm glad that I gave and I'm glad that I can give to anyone who has a need. If I can remember to go every 56 days

, I will.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's YOUR blood type? Have you ever donated blood? If so, when was the last time?

Talk to me!

Til next time...