trillion

I gave blood today, for the first time. After the whole Katrina thing I had tried to get connected with the Red Cross for volunteer training so I could head to Houston but I imagine they were swamped with responses so I never got through to a real person. Then there was the earthquake in Pakistan and again I called, with no response. Finally the thought crossed my mind to actually just GO to the Red Cross office and try to talk with a real person. For some reason I haven't done that, and while I sit with and try to figure out exactly which fear is holding me back, I decided that something I COULD do, something that could make a difference right now today, was give blood. It was a beautiful experience. I felt like I was giving life yet at the same time it felt like the smallest gesture. The people I encountered at the blood center were so open and warm and made me feel very comfortable. I learned that only 5% of the population give blood. I also learned that after the trade center bombings there was a line out the door and around the building...people moved to action. There were so many people donating and only so much capacity to hold all of the blood that they couldn't even accept all of the donations. I learned alot of other really cool stuff too and would recommend at least a one time visit to anyone I know. Aside from the obvious fact that YOUR blood can SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE, you can also help in the healing process of burn victims and cancer patients through the donation of your blood plasma and platelets.

A cool side effect of this whole thing is that I am highly aware of and in tune with my body right now. And I feel very still and peaceful.