The blood drive

Riley was so excited about the blood drive. He would log on to his school teacher's blogs and there would be an announcement. I gave up my morning time slot so a friend of my Mom's could donate with her. When I arrived in the afternoon, the wait was long. A few people were sitting and snacking at one table waiting for the OK to leave. Friends that could not donate were volunteering their time to help. There were chairs with people waiting for their turn. Four recliners were set up for donors in the center of the gym. Against one wall cubicles had been set up for the private consultations regarding eligibility.



They check your identity and address, then have a list of questions you answer in the computer. The white coated red cross employee checked my answers, then escorted me to a blue plastic recliner. I had my blood pressure checked and I was handed a squishy hand warmer to improve my circulation in the arm. A friend from school came up to me to chat and I didn't even notice the needle prick or the time it took to donate. Trevor was volunteering. He brought drinks and snacks for people. He brought me an orange juice.

Tom showed up. He walked over to check on me, but had to walk away. He was squeamish seeing the blood coming out. He checked in and passed muster. He was then asked if he was willing to do the two bag blood draw. They had brought a machine that filters the blood and adds plasma. It is supposed to be less stressful than the straight pint donation because it keeps you hydrated. You have to be over 145 pounds and certain blood types and over 5 foot 5 inches tall. How could Tom say no? He was not happy but allowed himself to be hooked up for the double dose. He felt fine afterwards. His hemoglobin was 13.1 when they pricked his finger to test his blood prior to starting. Riley's last number was 8.1. I didn't look to see what mine was. I wish I had.

At home Riley was watching my neighbor's children so she could go donate. I had called and warned her it was taking longer than anticipated. I had a 45 minute wait before I was interviewed. Riley was having a blast. My neighbor said she would pay him even though I said that if she was donating blood for Riley he should not get paid. Besides playing with her children is what the boys do all the time. She has really wonderful children. They are good friends to my boys.

I saw Trevor and Riley's retired Principal from their elementary. He was a double bagger also and a regular card carrying Red Cross donor. The boys' old football coach showed up. He said he might coach eighth grade this year even though his son has moved on to Freshman high school. I hope he does coach eighth grade. He squeezed the most out of those boys, 110% . They loved him and learned, and had so much fun. I would sit on the side lines at practices with a couple of other moms to be entertained by the coaching. Trevor could use having this coach again and will be in eighth grade.

I saw people I didn't know, who just gave out of their own generosity. I saw so many friends, and many from PTA. 48 people donated almost 60 pints, with those double baggers. 80% were new to the Red Cross records, fresh new donors. I feel really good about it and I am so grateful to Trevor's Teacher who arranged it all. Tom and I can donate again in August. I will keep tabs of local blood drives from now on.