'GIVING' Of One's-Self...

     Earlier, this, evening, I donated blood; this, a thing I try to do every, 8-weeks, or so, unless, of course, I am unwell. I have been giving blood for over 35 years, off and on, except for when I was deferred, due to pregnancies, nursing babies, and, a bout with Melanoma. I cannot, adequately, explain, exactly how doing this causes me to feel; but, suffice it to say, that, when I was disallowed form donating, right after the diagnosis of skin-cancer, I cried, as I love being able to help others, in this fashion. I have heard, over the years, that blood-donors are considered to be the 'silent-heroes' of the world; and, I am, delighted, to be considered as such a 'valuable'-resource. Coincidentally, as I write this, I just, now, received a call from the Rhode Island Blood Ctr., as I was eligible to donate, as of today, and, they have yet to record, in their 'data-bank', confirmation of said donation. I will admit, that, as one's date of eligibility approaches, one does get plenty of 'reminder' calls; but, I never mind getting them. Today, as I waited in queue, (yes...there were so many who showed up as to form a line!) I, and another woman, laughed, together, as we jokingly referred to the 'harassing' nature of said calls. The thing is, the Center is, ALWAYS, in need of blood, and, this, fact, will NEVER change. When one thinks about the number of, healthy-folks, who COULD donate, yet, do not, well...it's sorta, sad, in my estimation. Heck...giving blood is a cinch...it's as 'easy-peasy' as it gets. Furthermore, the kind, people who one encounters, while doing such, make it all, worthwhile. One is treated as a 'V.I.P.', and, shown, great-appreciation for doing a thing that takes NO effort at all. Believe me...I don't like 'needles' any more than most; but, for this...I'll make an exception. So, if you've never before donated blood, consider doing so; The mere, act of giving of yourself in this, manner, is, MORE, gratifying than you can imagine. Besides...there's juice and cookies, afterward! Just Sayin'...