The Gift of Life

I have ALWAYS wanted to be a blood donor, but my body always worked against me. I have small, deep, rolling veins. As far back as I can remember, simple lab work was a traumatic experience involving multiple sticks and fishing expeditions. Shots don't bother me. From the time I was 11 months old, I took allergy shots. I distinctly remember a friend in college talking about the first time he finally went in to donate. A friend of his had asked if he was going to the blood drive. He said, "No, having someone stick a sharp metal object in my arm and draining my blood isn't natural." To which his friend replied, "They stuck a sharp metal object in Christ's arm and drained His blood....for YOU." How can you argue with that? So I went to my first blood drive. I walked in and told them, "If you can stick it, you can have it." They handed me the forms to fill out. They asked me all the medical history questions. They tested my blood for iron (at this point I think they actually started drooling - I have ALWAYS had very rich blood). I was lead to the chair for the actual donation. After looking my arms over (several times), the tech told me to go home without even pulling a needle out of a package. I was disappointed. I tried several more times at different blood drives. Finally one tech told me, "Go home and don't come back." Years have passed. Always the desire to give was there. I so admired friends that would give on a regular basis. 

This past weekend, my brother Stephen called. One of his co-workers has a son battling leukemia. This guy is in his 30's with children of his own. He is in desperate need for blood to be donated in his name. My heart was breaking for this man and his young children. I told Stephen, "I've never been able to give in the past, but I promise you, I will try. Maybe with the weight I have lost, they will be able to finally hit a vein." I am so excited to say that they were successful!!! 

The only drawback is I am not allowed to exercise for 24 hours. Next time I will have to plan it around my rest day. On a side note, they always offer a free snack when you are done. Thanks to LUKE, I passed on oreos. Sigh, I remain Brainwashed & Broken.

PS If any of you are interested in donating in the name of Stephen's friend, donations need to be made for Bradley Hoff, Dallas, Texas.