I have this kind of ongoing memory of my father coming home from work every six weeks or so with the Red Drop sticker on his lapel from the American Red Cross - it always said "Be nice to me, I gave blood today!" My father accumulated so many lapel pins for however many bzillions of gallons he donated in his lifetime. My dad can't give blood anymore - even though his cancer has been in remission for years - once you have cancer, they don't want your blood anymore.
I kind of took on this job for him - although honestly I haven't been as dedicated to it since our move. It really bugs me when people grimace and say they can't give blood because they hate needles or it makes them sick. I always think those people should have to wear a bracelet indicating their lack of bravery. When they're in a car accident or have some horrible blood disorder they shouldn't be allowed access to the nation's volunteer blood supply. Honestly, someone else has to die because you're afraid of a little poke?
I realize I'm being pretty hard core, maybe its because I give blood more in honor of my dad than for the person who will someday receive it. But, if its not my job, then whose is it?
Last year, my father was one of the survivor presenters at the Relay For Life in his area. He talked about how when he first started his treatments the technology was very cutting edge and the only reason the Oregon Health Science University Hospital had access to this treatment was that they had purchased equipment with dollars from the Relay for Life events throughout the state.
This year, my whole family is participating in a Relay in our new area. We will stay up all night, and our team will have at least one representative walking for 24 hours. Because cancer doesn't sleep.
The theme is "A Fairy Tale Ending" so we're coming up with costumes and I am single handedly turning our team's open sided tent into a cardboard fairy tale castle. My husband asked me if I was taking on too much but I could tell by the giggle in the back of my throat and the flutter at the base of my chest that this is what I'm supposed to be doing right now.
I had recently decided that in addition to experiencing new places, things, ideas, etc. I need to start experiencing new people - no sooner had I made note of this conscious decision than this opportunity to join ranks with a team of dedicated cancer fighters made itself available. I'm getting to meet some new people and get a huge creative project thrown in just for fun!
AND - this is what being a Deva is all about - serving humanity in support of a greater cause. You just know its a good fit when consciously serving is also fun and feels good! Check out my page for the Relay, if you're able, support my cause or consider joining a team in your area. Giving from a place of gratitude for our many blessings raises our endorphin levels and that equals Pleasure and we're learning what an enormous power tool that is!
My conscious is now telling me to track down my local Red Cross and find out when the soonest blood drive is....I was going to say I have some big shoes to fill, but in this case, I guess they're some pretty big buckets!
Have the Reddest Day Ever!
In Grace,
Kell
No comments:
Post a Comment