Giving back to our communities has been ingrained in my family from a young age. We were encouraged to preform chores for grandparents and older neighbors at no charge. I swept garages, washed dishes and drove my great aunt to the grocery store. Now I donate time and money to needy causes. One organization I have given to for over 40 years is the local blood bank. I have been blessed with the universal blood type, O negative. I try to donate every time I am well and my iron is high enough.
I have not donated for the past two years. I had a stroke then i broke my wrist and upper arm. I kept my fingers crossed as I signed up to give at our church last Sunday.
The blood bank had changed names and protocols. I wasn’t able to check in before the appointment. Fortunately, I had a worker that had helped me in the past. Testing my iron first, I tested good to go.
The blood collection was in a mobil bus. Carefully, climbing the steps I found the bus cramped and noisy from the generator and people. There were four donor stations. Two men were waiting their turn. They loudly discussed sports teams. I couldn’t hear the instruction my nurse was giving. I knew the drill and was soon bleeding into a pint bag.
While I waited for my husband, I nibbled on cheese crackers and drank a cup of cranberry juice.
All went well. I left the bus a different way.
John and I decided to stop at the local grocery store on the way home. Walking up and down the aisles, we put several items into the cart. John stopped to tie his shoe laces.
Standing in line to check out, I felt hot and dizzy. I was able to ask John for a chair. He thought I had to tie my shoes. Slowly, I slipped to the floor. The angels were with me that day. The woman behind in line was a retired nurse and used a walker with a seat to get me to the car.
“Keep your eyes open”
The clerk in Starbucks, filled a cup with water. She added a top and a straw.
“Keep drinking!”
“Look at me.”
I replied,”Your mean.”
Yes, I’m a mean retired nurse.”
As I lay on the floor, the only person I focused was that mean nurse. I wanted to sleep and she wouldn’t let me.
When I had drank enough water, I slowly stood up by holding on the the nurses walker. “Sit on my walker so your husband can roll you out to your car.”
I held onto the truck’s door and lifted myself into the seat. Another clerk brought the nurse’s groceries to her car, putting them and her walker in the back seat.
May we all look for opportunities to help the strangers among us.
Slipping away
First you are standing.
Dizzy, hot.
knees buckle
I can’t stop.
A voice , a hand,
kind words,
I start to stir.
Eyes open
I climb the cart.
wobbly legs,
thankful for the stranger
Thankful to depart.
carolaspot@aol.com November 20, 2023
traveling up and down the blind highway 