... Giving Life

19 years ago I was in a car accident. Within minutes of the impact, I'd lost 1/4th of the blood my small body contained. I can say that a number of things saved my life -- the man who stopped to help us and called the ambulance, the ambulance workers, the ER staff, the machine that kept my lungs breathing, the answered prayers of countless friends, family, and strangers... but one of the components that aided my recovery, that gave me life, were the two pints of blood I received. Somebody, or two somebodies, sometime the month before signed up to donate blood, and I am typing this post today.

I'm guessing this is why I feel so strongly that we should do what we can to help others that are facing similar needs as I was that Christmas years ago. It's always been important to me to give blood, starting with the day I finally hit the 110 lb min weight in High School, through today where I show up at the local Red Cross to donate whole blood every 8 weeks.


It's a simple, painless, procedure. I know not everyone can handle it. Some get woozy and pass out and some are not allowed to give because they've traveled to certain countries or have health issues. Most of us, however, are healthy enough to give... and our bodies were gloriously made to replace this donation within a relatively short period of time.

So next time you see a blood drive, or next time you have a free minute, consider stopping in. I guarantee it'll mean alot to someone, even if you never hear the thanks.