I gave blood.....yesterday!

Open Bible Christian Ministries hosted a 'blood drive' in October with the American Red Cross. Many people came and gave blood and Dave and I were two of them. He was in the military and during his years 'in' he gave blood many many times....it was encouraged, if you know what I mean. The Army is like that.....they speak, you obey. Anyway, during those years I was busy being pregnant, nursing, or trying to get pregnant. Pregnant ladies can't give blood. So I never did give blood during those years.

When Church and School decided to host a Blood Drive to help our very low Maryland Blood Bank, I gladly signed on. A bit nervous about it as I don't like needles, but well, it was for a good cause. Did you know 1 pint of blood helps at least 3 people? In October I answered all the questions, was tested for iron count, and asked to sign numerous papers with my John Hancock on the day of giving blood. I sat in the chair and gave blood. So cool. So quick. So easy. Even the needle didn't hurt. At the end I got a Coke and a bag of pretzels and a little button that says "I gave HOPE".

I received a call from the American Red Cross two weeks later asking me to sign up to give blood again in January. One must wait 58 days before giving blood again. Only 30% of the people who give blood give it a second time. Where is it, Iasked? Less than 2 miles from my house the lady said. What day ? January 18th....a Monday. Great, I can make it. So I said YES! I can do this!

Yesterday was January 18th and I went to give blood with my hubby again. I went through all the same things again. Sign papers, finger prick, blood pressure, temperature. (My temp is low, 97.5 as normal--BTW!) I thought the Tech was pretty sweet. We chatted. We smiled. We chatted some more. I asked if the Red Cross was sending blood to Haiti now. She didn't know, but mentioned everyone was asking that same question.

Into the high slung chair I sat. Everything was like last time. I thought GREAT! Just as she was done, I got very very light headed and she asked me if I was. "Yes", I muttered....she flung that chair back in a wink. She got a cold compress for my forehead and took off the winter scarf I was wearing. I felt like I was going to faint....I had never felt that way before. Kinda fuzzy and things far off....but I prayed, please LORD help me, I don't want to faint! She put a cold COKE in my hand and said "sip this"......after 3 sips, I revived. I was hot, but I was coming back. The fuzzy feeling left. She asked me what I had for lunch and I said a nice green salad. --WHAT? One should eat a hearty lunch or dinner before giving blood. Who knew? I sure didn't! Well I do NOW! I went on to the 'canteen' (they call it) and finished my Coke and ate a little bag of oatmeal cookies. I gladly received a free T-shirt this time AND my button!

Next time I give blood I will eat a hearty sandwich or soup, salad AND bread! Am I glad I gave blood? Yes...I am. I like to think of it as helping someone who needs it. Someone I don't know, but someone who is a brother, or a sister, or a Mom, or a Dad, or a child of someone who loves them.

YET---I am reminded of Jesus perfect blood shed for me! HE gave HIS LIFE for me! Not in part, but in FULL....because of the JOY set before HIM!!! How grateful I am !

Signing off for now, hugs, Lynette