Giving the gift of life

I gave blood today. I am a regular blood donor, although I stopped keeping track when I reached ten gallons many years ago (at 2 pints per quart x 4 quarts per gallon, that's 80 pints). By rights, I should have been able to have a pint when I got home… Alas, they discourage that for a few hours.

Historical note: I gave blood for the first time as a college freshman … on the same day I received my first letter from Clare. :)

I managed to get a couple really good left-handed shots during my donation today, but Clare said they weren't appropriate to post.

[Wendy]

This is so great! I also love the history behind your blood donations!

[Thom Mitchell]

@exposure4u Thanks, Wendy! For all these donations, I have yet to "look"! My left-handed shot of my right arm this time is as close as I've come. I give because I can: I am grateful for my health.

[Rick Schies]

The best gift one can give.

[Thom Mitchell]

@digitalrn I agree. It's fascinating that for all "we" can do in the laboratory, we cannot synthesize human blood. (I sat down next to the neonatologist who brought my older daughter down to the nursery in the hospital and he said there are certain blood functions that can be performed with laboratory creations, but the oxygen-carrying function of red blood cells is more biology than "simple" chemistry.)

[Grace Mitchell]

i laughed so hard at the part of your comment about mom's suggestion that you not post the business shots. :D

[Thom Mitchell]

@gmitche47 And they were *excellent* business shots. Excellent! And left-handed!

[Michelle]

lol They would have been intrsting to see.. Good on you Thom, well done :)

[Tari]

good for you! I used to donate, but now it's a real challenge for them to get into my veins, so I gave it up. Am curious about your other 'business' shots, now ;-)