BLOOD

They said it "wouldn't" be done.

Our church provided the site for a recent Blood Drive. In a moment of blind enthusiasm I said I would give blood.

Now I have never given blood before. In fact my history with needles, blood, etc. has been spotty. I have blood work done every year now as part of my physical. I have noticed over these last years that the needles seem to hurt less and the technicians have done a better job so getting blood work done is no big deal. BUT giving blood is a bit more of a big deal. For one thing THEY TAKE MORE.

Well today was the day and I was having second thoughts. There were a lot of people - more than they had initially expected. And they wouldn't miss me if I quietly worked in my office and let my appointment time pass by. So I was going to help them out by not showing up.

Well Sharon M showed up. She entered my office and "told me" to come. She grabbed my hand and led me into the narthex where Karyn E, Kathy M, and Sally C were waiting. Then the "shaming began". There was no way now I was going to get out of it now. I wasn't there waiting long before Kevin came and took me for the intake interview. Questions and more questions, bp check, temp and then the worst thing yet - a pin prick to my finger. He had to check to see if my iron content was high enough to give. It was my last hope but I passed it.

Well it was time. I was led off to another room, strapped into a chair and then stabbed all while the tech evilly laughed.

It actually wasn't anything like that of course. It went very well. I have photographic proof in fact.

After that it was apple pie for my reward. Yum. I will give blood again.