I'm sure we all remember that very dramatic day of November 30, 2010, when I donated blood to the American Red Cross for the very first time. I got a letter this week confirming that my blood was indeed received (thank goodness it didn't go to waste) and that I saved up to three lives. Go me!
I also received a cool little card with my name and my blood type on it. I never knew what type of blood I had! My blood is 0 Positive, which is the most popular kind of blood. And according to the Red Cross, this type of blood is highest in demand. Well, don't I feel important?
The letter that accompanied this cool little card was urging me to come back and give blood again as soon as I'm eligible, which is on January 25, 2011 (so soon?). The letter stated, and I quote:
Well, I must say, it does feel good to be wanted and needed and saving lives is an awesome thing. However, I would like to address a few sentences within this letter that, given my experience giving blood, I found to be quite humorous.
First of all, I can assure you it took more than just a "few moments of my time." I'm not saying it wasn't worth it, how can you really put a time limit on saving lives? But let's call it what it is. Even if things would have gone smoothly (which they DIDN'T), it still would have taken at least twenty minutes and I feel that is more than just a few moments of my time.
After the overwhelmingly positive experience I had for my first time giving blood, I can't for the life of me figure out why "only 30% of first-time blood donors come back to give blood a second time." Who doesn't love unfriendly people who are terrible with needles stabbing you in the arm for 45 "moments of your time?" I know I do!
"Has anything else you've done lately made you feel this good?" Hmmm... no nothing. I haven't had any root canals or forks stabbed in my eyes so I guess giving blood wins!
All jokes aside, I was very happy to know that my blood was received and that I did save lives. I was excited to find out my blood type (I have no idea why that excites me but you just never know when you might need that important piece of information) and I did enjoy reading about some of the people whose lives have been saved by blood donations. That being said, I'm still not sure if I will ever donate again. But I will carry my donation card in my wallet just in case....
The letter that accompanied this cool little card was urging me to come back and give blood again as soon as I'm eligible, which is on January 25, 2011 (so soon?). The letter stated, and I quote:
"You really have done something amazing.
And now you personally can do something even more remarkable with just a few moments of your time. Come back, and give blood again. You see, only 30% of first-time blood donors come back to give a second time. Has anything else you've done lately made you feel this good?"
Well, I must say, it does feel good to be wanted and needed and saving lives is an awesome thing. However, I would like to address a few sentences within this letter that, given my experience giving blood, I found to be quite humorous.
First of all, I can assure you it took more than just a "few moments of my time." I'm not saying it wasn't worth it, how can you really put a time limit on saving lives? But let's call it what it is. Even if things would have gone smoothly (which they DIDN'T), it still would have taken at least twenty minutes and I feel that is more than just a few moments of my time.
After the overwhelmingly positive experience I had for my first time giving blood, I can't for the life of me figure out why "only 30% of first-time blood donors come back to give blood a second time." Who doesn't love unfriendly people who are terrible with needles stabbing you in the arm for 45 "moments of your time?" I know I do!
"Has anything else you've done lately made you feel this good?" Hmmm... no nothing. I haven't had any root canals or forks stabbed in my eyes so I guess giving blood wins!
All jokes aside, I was very happy to know that my blood was received and that I did save lives. I was excited to find out my blood type (I have no idea why that excites me but you just never know when you might need that important piece of information) and I did enjoy reading about some of the people whose lives have been saved by blood donations. That being said, I'm still not sure if I will ever donate again. But I will carry my donation card in my wallet just in case....
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