Getting Her Fill

We're back in the Saint Mary infusion room.

Following Mommy's return home from her last chemo treatment she's been feeling pretty weak, dizzy and has occassionally felt short of breath.
All symptoms of a low hemoglobin level.
All expected after chemo.
After waiting through the weekend she had her regular blood test yesterday and it confirmed that her hemoglobin level was low (as are her neutrophils, of which she has none!) So, a transfusion was arranged for her.

Right now Mommy is pretty much zonked out from the Benadryl while a bag of O+ blood is getting dripped into her through her port. It's her first time she -- a B+ lady -- is getting type "O" blood. It's amazing how blood transfusions work -- someone else's blood is pumping back needed blood cells into her body... which will eventually get her energy level back up. Very cool.

My church in Orlando regularly has a blood mobile out in the parking lot on the first Sunday of every month. Often times it coincides with Communion Sunday.
During communion I normally hear the words, "Christ's body broken for you." "Christ's blood shed for you." Christ's gift of His body and blood -- giving LIFE to those who believe on Him.

During the past few months my mom has needed the gift of blood from someone else so many times. It hasn't been a nicety ... it's been a necessity. To think, Christ's broken body and spilled blood was once... for all... for ETERNAL life. It strikes me how significant... and symbolic blood donation can be - a sweet reminder and expression of Christ's gift.

I've not donated blood before. I'm a hard stick. I've left labs after having a blood test having been stuck numerous times -- with battle bruises as reminders of the experience. I've been scared to do it. I'm thinking about it differently now. I see the critical need. I see the receiving end. I'm reminded of the selflessness of those that have given on behalf of others. Still need to just decide to do it. eek.