Ryan gives platelets every couple of weeks too. He likes it alot. They really appreciate anyone who can do it. He gets thank you cards after his visit, and he says they practically wait on him hand and foot while he's there. (They even scratch his nose when he has an itch.) He loves just hanging out and watching a movie and he schedules to go on donut days! :)
Anyway - good for you. If I could mentally do it, I would. But last time I went with Ryan to donate blood, I almost fainted just by accidentally looking at the bloodline going to the bag.
I am about to go to the temple with the sisters I serve with, so:
I am thankful for
1. the temple
2. that my family can be forever
3. my calling
4. the people I work with in my calling
5. Debi babysitting while I go and Ryan is at work.
Sariah,
I am proud of you for trying to give blood. I didn't think you would again after your first attempt as a teen.
I don't look.
Oh, the bloodlines don't bother me, much. But I mostly don't look
People who cannot give blood, can still help the cause by 1) volunteering to be one of the people who wait on donors - especially at the snack counter, 2) organizing occasional drives in their wards, clubs, neighborhoods, whatever, and 3) supporting and encouraging family members and friends who can donate. I know that you do at least one of those things!
The blood bank could probably suggest other ways, too.
You already serve your community (and beyond!) through your church work and by raising a decent human being and good citizen.
There are so many good things to do, no one can do all of them. This one is one of the easier things for me and it has big payoffs for me. I started when I went to a dentist who made me feel like scum. The blood people made me feel like a hero.
Setting the record straight: my current dentist, Dr Loney, is gentle, kind, quick and good. He treats his patients with respect and consideration. And so does his staff.
Sariah, you are choosing the better part by attending the temple. Talk about life saving service! An area I need to improve!
I guess I should clarify, I didn't actually do the donating when I went with Ryan. I was only watching him donate! I still have tons of problems whenever I need blood taken for doctors. When I had the DNC, they tried both hands and arms even after I was "under", but still couldn't get a line to draw blood. All I ended up with was a bunch of bruises. I doubt I will ever be able to have blood drawn without it being a nasty experience.
I never thought of volunteering at the refreshment counter. That is doable. I wouldn't have to see any blood. I'll have to look into that.
We had a good time last night. Our whole presidency was there, and our President's husband. It was nice going together. Next time we want all the husbands to be with us. We dropped by the bookstore before coming home. I chose the scriptures I'm going to buy with my Christmas gift certificate from the Grundy's. But, I had forgotten to bring the gift certificate with me, so I'll get them next time.
Ryan will be getting home soon, then we'll be getting ready for Cadi's dance class, so gotta go.
