3-24-10 Red Cross Comedy

Well, I feel confident that Ben and I successfully provided the adequate amount of entertainment for the Red Cross volunteers today in Mifflinburg. We are both the correct blood type to donate for Dean, and we felt that with a 90% chance of him needing a blood transfusion that we would prefer him to have the closest possible match available. Ben was in his regular jovial mood and proceeded to heckle every nurse in site while I rolled my eyes and tried not to think about blood. I have only donated twice before (also direct donations,) and it didn't go well either time. The first time, my vein burst which feels about as bad as it sounds. And the second time, I gave my pint in a record setting 4 minutes and spent the following hour turning green and having to lie down. I was just praying that I would be able give for Dean. I finished all the preliminary questions faster than Ben, but that was mostly because he asked the nurse questions about the questions. Fortunately, his nurse had a sense of humor! I personally don't like to joke around with the person who will soon be jabbing me with a needle. I thought things were going pretty well because Ben finished giving blood before me which meant I was giving at a normal pace. When we were both finished, Ben went to make friends with the volunteers at the cookie table while I stayed lying down feeling lightheaded. After a cool compress and about 10 minutes, I joined Ben; but I soon found myself feeling very sick. I was quickly moved to a rolling chair where I proceeded to pass out. I woke up to several people yelling at me, and Ben looked very serious for the first time of the evening. I was told, that in addition to losing all my color, I went completely stiff, my legs flew into the air, and my eyes rolled around like crazy. I was also told (while I was breathing into a paper bag,) that I was the only person to faint all day. Great. When we finally left after only two and a half hours, Ben knew the names, birth dates, and ages of all the children of a half dozen Red Cross volunteers; and I was embarrassed. I felt kind of silly about fainting too! All said and done, I am thankful that we were both able to give blood for Dean. God keeps providing.