Earlier today decided to go to the local blood drive at St. Gabriel's parish. I know how important it is to give blood; my Mom and my sister would probably not be alive today if other generous souls had not decided to take a little time out of their weeks to give blood. So I went.
I am fearful of needles, and have fainted a few times when getting blood drawn, and I have never given blood before. So I was a little bit apprehensive of doing so upon arrival at the cafeteria at St. Gabriel's. But I built up my courage and told myself, "Well, you haven't fainted the past six times you've had blood draws—this can't be that bad... it's just a stick in the arm, and that's it!"
Well, as it turns out, I was wrong. I didn't know they also did a finger stick before the blood draw. I was unprepared for this, and when I had the finger stick, I was thinking, "Ooo. I didn't know about this part. Uh oh!" My brain started going into a small panic mode, and I felt a little light headed; the blood was drawn from the finger and my finger was bandaged, but a minute later I was feeling rather dizzy, and I was put on one of the stretchers.
So, to make a long story short, I wasn't able to give blood after all. But there's still time for a first time! I will be going back again soon, and I will make sure to psyche myself up about the finger prick... After all, giving blood saves lives!
Visit the Red Cross website to find out where you can give blood!