Blood is Thicker than Water

Friday May 21st, 2011. The vampires are coming to take our blood.

And by vampires, I mean of course the nurses and staff from the Red Cross. And by taking our blood, I mean letting the students of Simley skip out on class for 15 minutes while we lay down and eat snacks. Really, the needle is the only bad part.

The blood drive in May has been a Simley tradition that many people look forward to. I have never given blood myself, but I'm used to the routine. I've had my blood drawn at the doctor's office more times than I can count and I've learned that if you look away and clench your teeth, the actual removal of blood from your veins doesn't seem so bad.

There are brave souls that I know (over seventeen of course) who have devoted themselves to giving blood every 60 days. Others are more like me, and have a more squeamish demeanor when it comes to giving blood. If that's the case though, you better not admit it. You'll get the blood-donation team up in your face saying, "But you can save three lives if you donate blood!" Fortunately for the faint at heart, Simley has never experienced a shortage of volunteers willing to sacrifice their arm and a pint of blood in the name of service.

If you're reading this and have never donated, I encourage you to try it (unless of course, the sight of blood or needles actually DOES make you faint). I've been looking forward to the blood drive all week, simply because I hope that I'll find a new way to help out others in need. It's free, it's quick, and virtually pain-free. What better way to give is there than to be a donor?

:)