My first blood donation

My first blood donation

As a working mom of a toddler and struggling to find balance amidst the chaos, I got an opportunity to donate blood.

It was one of the weekend when I chose to just go out for lunch alone. It might seem insignificant to people with no kids, but it is a luxury for new mums! I literally went out for lunch to be able to roam around the mall with “zero” intention of doing anything.

I happened to cross a corridor which was almost blocked by 5–6 volunteers. And as expected, one of them just asked me “Have you registered”. With no idea of what it was about I asked him whats going on. He mentioned this is a blood donation drive and they accept walkins.

My “new” concern is the amount of time I have for any commitment I make. Before jumping into anything now, I make sure I have an idea of how much time it will take. I asked him the same question. He told me it takes approximately 15 minutes for registration and then 15 minutes for donation.

I was convinced and ended up going for registration. They gave me a tag of “first time donor” and probably thats why everyone was very nice to me. I was given a form with all the questions about my health and then got a quick haemoglobin test done. It was a slight prick in the finger and result was immediate. Luckily I was eligible to donate.

Then, I had a discussion with a nurse and she discussed my answers in the health form. My profile was approved for donation.

I was surprised to see so many people showing up for this generous act. It felt good to do something nice in the time I was going to do NOTHING. I am scared of needles but as long as I do not see them, I am okay.

And just sitting there got me thinking!

I was thinking of all the people who actually need blood. Sickness, accidents, violence, wars and what not! If you start thinking about this, it brings a range of emotions within you. It is a mix of sadness, anger and helplessness.

Then I started thinking if the blood I am donating would make any difference, and that too just once! It is such a small amount of blood, does it even help a single person! What if they reject my blood due to some issue and all of this is for nothing! Should I come more often! Should I plan and register for drives early on!

Irrespective of my unawareness about the details of what I was doing, it did feel good. I hope I get more chances to do it, and I stay healthy to be able to do it more.

Donating blood makes no difference to one’s life, but it might make a difference in someone else’s life. So, go for it whenever you get a chance. It costs nothing, but cheers you up more! Win-Win!