Saving Lives

     What can almost all of us do to literally help save lives?  Hint:  It's easy, painless, free, and doesn't take much time.  That's right - we can give blood.  I'm embarrassed to say that for many years I never gave blood.  And not for any good reason at all.  I simply didn't do it.  Then our office started holding blood drives every 8 weeks and I figured I really had no excuse for not helping out.  Since then, I try to give a minimum of 5 or 6 times each year, and I always feel good when I do.

     Today was one of those opportunities.  A month or so ago a friend sent me an invitation to donate at a blood drive being held at her church.  It was about time for me to give, so I signed up to participate in today's event.  From what I'm told, my blood type, O negative, is the kind that can be used by anyone so it's in particular demand.  Given that our bodies replace the lost blood pretty quickly, it's hard to think of a reason not to help in this way, for the vast majority of people who are able to.  I was glad to do my part today, and look forward to doing it again in another 8 weeks.

Giving Blood

     For the past 6 or 7 years I've been a pretty regular blood donor through the American Red Cross.  At my old company, we used to hold blood drives right in our office every 8 weeks, so it was pretty easy and convenient to donate.  Though I retired from there 2 years ago, I still usually make it back for their blood drives.  Unfortunately, the last blood drive, scheduled for late September or early October was cancelled at the last minute, so I haven't given blood in a few months.  Today I went on line and searched for a local blood drive.  I found one being held at a Knights of Columbus hall a few towns over, so I was able to stop in and donate this afternoon.

     Giving blood is one of those things that I really enjoy doing.  To be honest, I'm embarrassed to admit how many years I didn't give blood, and for no legitimate reason.  I simply didn't do it.  Once I began, and I realized just how easy it is, and also realized just how important it is as well, I became committed to regular donations.  While I understand that some people have health reasons that prevent them from being regular donors, there's no reason most of us shouldn't be giving blood as close to every 8 weeks as possible.  It's desperately needed, it's free, it doesn't take a long time, it's painless, and our bodies replace what we've donated anyway.  Count me in for this one any chance I get.