Saving lives one drop at a time...

I gave blood yesterday. Despite years of fears relating primarily to needles, I decided that the time had come to at least try to give.

In preparation for the Relief Society Broadcast last night, our stake planned a two-hour segment dedicated to various service projects- humanitarian kits, quilts, wooden blocks, coloring pages/activities...and donating blood. We had a mobile unit hanging out in the church parking lot, taking as many willing donors as they could. Now every so often, especially since 9/11, I have thought that I really should overcome my fear of needles and of giving blood and help out by donating a pint. However, I would often use the fact that once-upon-a-time I was anemic as an excuse to avoid it. So, despite a desire to try and do some good, it somehow had never happened. Until now.

For the several of you who still have the same fear of needles as I do, I won't go into details except to say that it really wasn't as bad as I was afraid it was going to be. I survived. I didn't even get woozy. I was so proud of myself. I had overcome my fear and succeeded in doing something good. I wish they had had stickers for first-time donors like me, something that could tell the world that we decided to take some action and help others in need. Alas. Thus it is that I am sharing my pride with the world via this blog. For all who care, I have finally donated blood. And while I don't think I'm ready to do it every two months like some people, now that I know that I can make it through the process, I will gladly donate again.

Here's to life!