Angel of Mercy

So. Yesterday my co-worker and I decided to give blood at the local blood drive. I hadn't given blood for over 15 years as the last time I tried to give it was not such a great experience. I got super lighteaded, had to lay down (with my feet up!) and I think they even stopped the donation before my bag was full.

But I figured what the heck! I'm older and wiser now, I can handle this. So we went over our lunch hour to donate. We each got out lovely stickers saying "Be nice to me I gave blood today" as well as a first time donater sticker. She got a little pin but I didn't :( I think the lady just forgot to give me one...oh well, I'm sure I'll survive.

So we are reading the required information and it says if you are allergic to iodine to let them know. I'm so glad I actually read that as I'm allergic to betadine so they used an alternate disinfectant on me.

The helper lady that was giving me my mini-physical takes my pulse and says "Oh Kim! Your pulse is 110!!!" My pulse is always high but she was freaking out about it. She took my blood pressure and then my pulse again. Blood pressure was normal, pulse was 94. It was Ok but she was still worried.

So I finally get up on the chair to donate feeling very proud of my self for donating the gift of life. The nurse sticks the needle in my arm. Have you ever seen the needle they use for blood donation? It's about the size of a toothpick so the blood cells don't get broken. Yikes.

So again, I'm up there feeling the warm glow of my halo shining bright above my head for my generous donation of a pint of my life giving blood when the lady at the door says "Attention everyone Suzie Public* is getting her 11 gallon pin today" Applause follows this announcement and maybe even a cheer or two.

ELEVEN GALLONS of blood this lady has donated! You can give every 8 weeks so if I'm doing my math right it took her 13.5 years to give that much blood. Wow!

*Names have been changed due to the faulty memory of the storyteller