Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Gift of Blood

When I was little my mom used to donate blood on a regular basis.

I remember sitting in a room for what seemed like forever {and ever} and then right when I thought we'd never leave I'd get to move to a table with my mom and drink an orange juice and eat graham crackers.

I understood at the time that what she was doing was important, but I thought of it as more of a job than an act of giving.

I think differently of those times now.

Jeff and I had the opportunity to donate blood {and sign up to be a marrow donor} yesterday for a local child with a rare blood condition.  We brought the children with us because we wanted them to see all of the people who were willing to give of their time (and blood) without getting anything in return except a good feeling.

I didn't expect to see the sick little boy there as well.

I was humbled.  I was glad.  I felt grateful, and I felt sad.

I'm grateful for my health and that of my children.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to see first hand the child that may benefit from my tiny donation.  I felt sad that that little boy was sick and his family was not out celebrating the season, but sitting in a blood bank watching and waiting.

I'm thankful for this sick little boy who allowed me to do something simple, something which reminded me to take every opportunity I can to do the right thing.

I'm thankful Christmas and the reminder of the birth of my Saviour....and for the blood he shed for me.

I'm thankful to all of you for taking the time out of your day to stop by and visit me and for the examples you are to others in kindess and deed.

Merry Christmas!

18 comments:

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

My husband donates blood every 58 days...or whatever the minimum time in between is. He's part of the gallon club. Me? Well. I tried once. I have horrible veins. It takes forever to find one that will work. And then they have this tendancy to collapse. Did you know if they cannot fill their bag, they throw your blood out? So...I skip the giving blood...and realize that my hubby gives enough for the both of us :-)

Susie said...

I wish I could donate but I am anemic:-( It is good to do if you can:-) Merry Christmas!!

Amy said...

Merry Christmas. What a great way to spread the love.. I need to check into this too.

S Club Mama said...

Merry Christmas, sweetheart. What a wonderful gift you gave this season. :)

Sara Elizabeth said...

Giving blood is indeed a wonderful and important gift. I give when I can, but I battle with anemia.

Merry Christmas!

Swirl Girl said...

My mom used to give blood every 8 weeks for a friend of her. It really does put things in perspective, doesn't it?

Merry Christmas Angie!

Kristen Jensen said...

love you cous!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful gift, to help someone. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Unknown said...

I love the fact that you took your kids with you. How appropriate it was that the little boy was tehre for them to make that direct correlation.

Merry Christmas!

T Rex Mom said...

Donating blood is so simple but can have such an enormous impact. Thank you for sharing this with us.

A very merry Christmas!

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Unknown said...

Merry Christmas!

Kristin said...

um...since when do you read japanese? who is that? good for you, and your kids for your good example. Merry Christmas...my card will be in the mail...tomorrow. I hope.

Stacy Uncorked said...

Awwww! That is so awesome!!

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas, Angie! :)

Annie said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!

brunger bunch said...

Amen, every time I see a child diagnosed with an illness, (which is quite often in my job) I am reminded how grateful and blessed I am to have healthy children. It is so easy to take that for granted! Great post:)

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