Giving Blood: Good or Bad?

Hello one and all!
This last Monday night I decided to participate in a blood drive hosted at my church by the Red Cross. Although I was apprehensive and nervous at first I finally found the gumption to register along with my older sister Morelle and both of my parents. This would be a first experience for all if us. What a special memory for us to share together!

Unfortunately things did not go as planned. Because we had never given blood before we were unfamiliar with the effects associated with such a donation. Therefore we were unprepared for the exciting adventure to come.

On Sunday August the 14th our family loaded into our van with great trepidation. Upon our arrival we were promptly assisted in signing in and given a booklet explaining the entirety of the process.

After a brief wait, one of the nurses informed Dad that it was his turn. Bravely he stood up and followed her to a cubicle to begin. While Dad was still answering questions Mom's turn came. Before 10 minutes had passed Mom came out from behind the make shift wall. Unfortunately The nurse had informed her that due to her weight she would unable to donate.

Not long after it was Morelle's turn. While she was being prepared Dad was getting hooked up to begin. During the preparatory process Laneah stood by with a look of confusion and dismay upon her face.
Coming up beside her the coordinator of the event spoke. Her sweet words of comfort are a memory that I shall never forget. She said "Honey, did you know your Daddy is a hero?" Although I have always known these words to be true. I had no idea that I was about to see them in action.

A few minutes later I was called back to begin the necessary process prior to a my donation. The nurse began by asking me a few basic questions. Then she took my blood pressure and drew a blood sample. After doing so she asked me how tall I am and how much I weighed. To which I answered as honestly as I knew. 5 feet 4 inches and 117 lbs. She then informed me that to donate blood I would have to be 118 lbs. if I was 5 feet 4 inches. I was so disappointed because I was really excited and eagerly looking forward to donating.

With my eyes filling with tears I sat at the cubicle table waiting to be excused. After the nurse filled out a letter of deferral I was dismissed. Leaving the cubicle I was shocked to find my father laying in the medical chair throw up. Standing next to him was my Mother and three nurses. Each of which we assisted my Father.

Later I was informed that due to the loss of blood that my Father was suffering he had blacked out and when he came to was unable to control his body. Therefore he was extremely sick. Thankfully in the past few days my Father has been recuperating and hopefully on a safe road back to normalcy.

Honestly I feel as though I could describe this experience as both unique and informative. I believe that he lesson learned is this: Never jump into something without first considering both the consequences and the price. Especially when it includes the donation of blood!