the past two nights were the nights of blood.

two different patients, two units of packed RBC (red blood cells) each. transfusing blood is so common in our unit, that i should not really make a big deal out of it anymore. it is almost like i am being so overly dramatic if i even mention it, because really, transfusions are THAT common.

you can call me overly dramatic, but the truth is, i still get that warm fuzzy feeling everytime i transfuse blood. it is probably my imagination, but to see an undeniably pale looking face slowly regain its color is both heartwarming and gratifying. i don’t think the whole process will ever cease to amaze me.

i have never received blood, but i have donated blood. i don’t know how it feels to walk around with somebody else’s blood going through all my systems. what i do know is how it feels to see somebody walk around after receiving blood.

i try to donate blood regularly. i don’t say that to brag, i say it to encourage. i think the two main reasons why people don’t donate blood (other than being ineligible) are fear, and lack of exposure to the benefits of this gift.

fear is understandable. that needle is BIG, and the sight of blood is not something that everybody feels comfortable with. i have no personal suggestions on how to overcome that fear because unlike many nurses, i do not have fear of needles. i know that’s not a very helpful thing to say, but i guess what i really mean is, anybody can be afraid of something, but anybody can also try overcoming that fear.

i’m sure there are donors out there who used to be afraid, those who shiver at the sight of that gigantic needle, but went and did it with their eyes closed, for the sake of helping. maybe they can share a thing or two about killing that fear to you. all you have to do is ask. or listen. as for being grossed out at the sight of blood, all i can say is, if you keep doing it, i’m sure you will eventually get used to it.

if you are one of those who are not afraid of needles but just couldn’t care less because you don’t really know how important it is, let me tell you something i know and see at work all the time: your blood means the world to a lot of people!  

i always get emotional seeing patients so weak and almost lifeless suddenly perk up after a unit or two of blood. that maybe something that is irrelevant to some, but is very significant to those who are in the patients’ situation. imagine what it means to those they love and those who love them. it is a gift that is so precious, you can never put a price tag on its importance. 

i don’t get emotional just because i am basically emotional. it’s just that it’s very refreshing to see something so simple result in saving lives. once you realize that behind each unit of blood is a process, and a spirit of community, it will dawn on you, that life, despite its unfortunate blows is not just about getting even, or getting more. it is more than that, and it is mostly about giving.

go ahead and donate if you can. other than that fuzzy feeling of helping a stranger, you’ll never know when you will be on the other side.

don’t wait till you receive a stranger’s gift before you decide to donate. do it for the experience. after all, no one can really explain how it feels to give something so small that has immeasurable effects. words will never bring comprehension. you have to be there. in that moment. in that place. you have to have your own personal experience. your own story to tell.

don’t do it just because it’s the right thing to do.
do it because you want to make a difference.