I've just remembered that it's a week ago since I had a sad day.
I'd spent a long time preparing and tatting bookmarks for that day. They were for gifts.
What was the occasion? My 75th. NO, not birthday - 75th blood donation. For years and years the same nurses have been in the church hall where it 'happens' and they always love the wee butterflies (the 5 ring SCMR ones) I give them on each visit. One year (think it might've been my 50th donation) I gave them tatted hearts.
So this was a big occasion, my 75th, and I'd decided it would be my last time so thus a decent gift was needed and made. That was the reason I designed these butterflies.
So this was a big occasion, my 75th, and I'd decided it would be my last time so thus a decent gift was needed and made. That was the reason I designed these butterflies.
So, off I trotted to the donation centre - a brisk ten minute walk away. Shortly after my arrival and bang on my appointment time I was called for my 'interview' and soon after we'd sat down the lady suddenly beetled off (she'd spotted the number 74 at the top of my sheet). Back she came with disappointment number one.
"We haven't got any certificates with us today so you'll have to wait til next time." You get a badge when you've given 10, 25, 50 and 75 donations and also a certificate at 75. I was SO sad and I explained that this was to be my last visit so she said she'd arrange for one to be sent to me in the post.
Then we went onto the finger prick test. I failed - disappointment number 2!!!! The blood wouldn't sink in the test jar. So, onto a phial full to put in the machine. I waited, waited, waited and eventually even the machine rejected me. .25 down. A measly .25 down. It's been a LOT worse than that in the past!!
So I went round and gave away my butterflies and said goodbye to them all (well, I may have to go back next time to get a frigging certificate if it doesn't come in the post).
I've been at sessions only once where somebody got a 75 award and they got a CLAP from everybody (at least 20 people excluding staff). I wasn't even offered a cup of tea and a biscuit for mine!!!! I sulked out of the place and went for a walk instead.
The third and FINAL insult is that the next day my arm was bruised. BRUISED after a measly, tiddly, tiny bit of blood taken for their wretched machine!!!!! The first time I've EVER been bruised in 75 arms full. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Anyway, to conclude this sad story - I sulked about it for almost a whole hour and then turned it into a joke against myself. Well, what else do you do when life socks you one, eh?
Anyway, to conclude this sad story - I sulked about it for almost a whole hour and then turned it into a joke against myself. Well, what else do you do when life socks you one, eh?
Sweet Jane, this makes me sad too! Would a turtle make you feel better? I know how important this was to you and I'm sorry it went so horribly. I appreciate you if that counts?
ReplyDeleteA vial, bloody story, told in a comic vein, to be sure, but it really needled me.
ReplyDeleteYou're a trouper and you've done well, certificate or not!
Fox : )
Listen carefully - do you hear that noise, coming from far away, across the pond? It's me clapping for you! Wow - 75 blood donations is quite spectacular. Many people owe their lives to you.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope your poor arm gets better and soon.
(I used to give, but my veins are SO bad that they finally said thanks, but no thanks.)
Folks like you are heroes.
This is a message for all who have just commented - thanks for telling my big sister that she is a hero, and I'll give you a new shuttle Jane!
ReplyDeleteThere is clapping coming from Everett WA, USA, too, from an envious only-16-donations person (got my 2-gallon pin in Jan but no claps either). I've been bruised, too, isn't it horrible? At least yours happened in winter so you can comfortably wear long sleeves (and not have everyone looking at your arm thinking just the wrong thing)! Cheers, Mimi (darn, Fox got all the good puns)
ReplyDeleteCommiserations - I can understand how galling it must have been to "almost" reach your goal!
ReplyDeleteSo that's what the butterflies were for.......
But everyone in Texas is clapping, Jane. You've gotten more claps because of your sad story than if everything would have gone well.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks!! I know how much you were looking forward to it. We will all send a huge pat on the back to you, can you brace yourself for it. WELL DONE!
ReplyDeleteI feel SO SAD for you. I don't get to give blood like yourself because my iron is always so low. You are a HERO, indeed for doing that so many times. My husband gives his blood and he just hopes they appreciate it. He tends to get bruised too but nothing like you. I hope you feel better soon and just think of the accomplishment of doing that many butterflies. It's a beautiful pattern and the one I do I'm going to call it Jane in honor of you. Your Cool!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I like your newer photo on your Facebook Badge.
ReplyDeleteAs one who has received so much blood in New Mexico that I think I should be ABLE to speak Spanish; I applaud your many donations. In 1969 I received 26 plus pints after a car accident; and, as you know I was given monthly transfusions here in NM for at least 2 ½ years! So thank you mightily on behalf of those of us who seem to have vampire instincts and "need your blood." (evil, crazy laugh). I'm sorry you were bruised, battled and bewildered that week.
XXX OOO CLAP CLAP CLAP HIP HIP HOOORAY
P
What a let-down for something you had so looked forward to. I wish everyone would give so generously. In the real world, I'm the hospital tech who crossmatches the patient blood samples with the donor bags. Trying to cope during a blood shortage is just the worst thing.
ReplyDeletewhat a way to treat a sweet thoughtful lady! jane, you very well know that you are appreciated by all whom you've given precious life (our slogan here: blood = life!) and fellows like us who are all behind you in this. go for it!
ReplyDeleteDonating blood is a cause very near and dear to my heart - it saved my husband's life after a terrible accident. So you are getting clapping and cheering from this family in ILLINOIS (USA).
ReplyDeleteI have a long way to reach your giving, but you are an inspiration to me, bruises and all!!!