Rich Finlinson's March 28, 2003 blog really touch a heart string with me. I definitely recommend reading it. I also definitely recommend giving blood. It's very easy to do, relatively painless, and one of the few places were you can be treated like a hero by just being yourself. But do try to refrain from passing out, please.

I haven't been doing the blood donation thing for very long. It started a couple of years ago when I was given the assignment to coordinate blood drives in my neighborhood. I accepted, but not with enthusiasm. You see, one of my main deals is that I wouldn't every ask someone else to do anything I'm not willing to do myself. So I scheduled the 5:00 slot for me before calling around to wrangle the neighbors.

That morning I woke up with donation on my mind. Thoughts of it stayed with me throughout the day. I drove toward home just a bit slower that night. On the way through town I stopped by the local church to give. I'm not saying that I was scared, just nervous. Let's just say that I'd never make a good doctor. I get a little light-headed at the sight of blood, especially my own.

The process is pretty long. The first person I came to had a long written explanation that was required reading. Next I was checked out through a portable data base on site. It turns out that, fortunately, I was eligible to participate. Next came a lengthy review of the reading material, this time with questions to be answered.

Next came a pin prick, drawing a small amount of blood. A quick blood count and the smiling nurse said I was okay. The last step is placing a sticker on a paper. You are given two. One is barcoded to give your consent to use your blood, the other is there if you have any doubts. Once the sticker was placed a nice gentleman lead me to the chair.

I found out that my veins are small, my left arm is the best suited for the needle, and the process can be completed very rapidly if you squeeze often and hard. After the bottle is filled there are a couple of very nice people waiting with juice, candy bars, water and other snacks. Take all you want and stay to talk for as long as you need. I left feeling great, wondering where that blood would be used.

I've been a regular ever since, always taking the 5:00 slot. It gives me a good feeling. But I don't think of myself as a hero. That distinction goes to the folks who give a kidney. My brother-in-law, Adam, is packing only one kidney so that his brother, Hyrum, could get off dialysis. Now that takes courage. The quiet sort that I really admire.

So muster your courage and, if you are eligible, give blood. Please.
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