After John and Jessica started donating blood in high school we established the tradition of giving blood at Christmas as a family. It was fun to go to the donation center together and know that we were doing something worthwhile. After John was diagnosed with cancer we really understood the value of giving blood. Chemotherapy is very hard on a persons physical system. Often John got a unit or two of blood after a treatment. Sometimes he needed a unit or two before he could receive a chemo treatment because certain levels like white blood cell counts were too low. I particularly remember his last Thanksgiving when he received 3 or 4 units of blood before he came home to Perrysburg. He remarked several times that weekend about how he almost felt good. He would definitely have more energy after receiving the blood. I too have been the recipient of another persons blood after Jessica was born. After delivery complications I received what I always called, the blood of some big strong iron rich guy because I felt great. Of course it was shortly after that when it became known there were no HIV screening guidelines for blood donations. Poor Steve couldn't get a life insurance policy on me until I had a negative HIV test.
And so today we made the trip to the donation center in Toledo. Jessica was a better picture taker than me. She finished first. I was off in a corner with my back to she and Steve, hence the partial finger in the shot of Jessica. Mike came with us. He remembers doing it with John. But he is not a giver. We kid him but understand. Today I encourage everyone to think about what a blood donation has meant in your family. It might be the best Christmas present you could ever get or give.
Merry Christmas 2010
1 comment:
Good for you guys!! As a regular blood doner myself, and someone who sees it used every day, i too know how important it is, and thank you all for your contribution!!
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