Another First!

You know- there comes a time in a girls life when she has to experience things for the first time. It just so happened that this week two major "first" events happened. One with the fish incident of course and then secondly- today... (drum roll please) I GAVE BLOOD!

I know what you're all thinking- aren't you a little too old to have this be your first time? Well...yes I would say to you, but there is a story behind it! (As I'm sure you were all anticipating.)

When I was younger I was HORRIFIED of needles. I remember once that I asked the dentist if there was any way that he could numb my gums without the shot. The answer was of course... No. Therefore I told him that he should do it with no numbing at all. Surly the actual dentistry work wouldn't be as painful as the shot! Right?! I was quite certain about that. However with the first touch of the drill to my tooth- I quickly realized that I was wrong. I opted for the shot.

A few years later while at Ricks I saw that there was blood drive on campus. I knew that it was something that I wanted to overcome simply because I knew that it would help people. I went back and forth for a few days. One day I found myself walking over to the sign up sheet! I was really going to do it! I felt so proud of myself! As I looked at the paper I noticed something. All the time slots were taken up. With a sigh (of what I am sure was relief) I walked away. As I got home, my roommates informed me that you don't HAVE to sign up. They take walk in's. Oh well. My brave moment was over and that was that.

However, as the years have gone by- a miraculous thing as happened... The fear has left! How you ask?! Well- I shall answer you. My job!

You see- As I have pursued my career in Child Life I have been amazed that I have actually "Child Lifed" myself. What does that mean? Well, in order to help familiarize kids to the hospital and needle pokes we facilitated medical play. We take actual needles and let the kids (under supervision) go at it on the hospital dolls. Over time with a few pokes to the doll- the kids are able to process their many blood draws etc. and the goal is to help them understand it more and make it a little easier. As for myself, I have given thousands of IV's to dolls and in the process somehow I've been cured!

Proof- within the last few months I have had multiple blood tests (Which came back that I don't have celiac's! Happy Day!) And have had NO problem with the needle as they do it.

Well, I figured now that that fear was over, it was time to give blood. I was so excited as we drove to the church a few months back. Since my roommate offered to drive, I just stuck my phone in my pocket and jumped in the car. We drove the 30 minutes and entered the church. I waited in line and it was then that I realized that you have to have ID (well yeah. NOW it makes sense.) That thought didn't even cross my mind then! So since I only had my phone and despite the fact that EVERY person in the room knew my name and could back me up, I was unable to give blood. I left with my head down and feet dragging. I was bummed!

And thats where we stood- until today. FINALLY I was able to enter the room fully confident- with my ID- and ready to roll. I answered all the questions, sat in my chair and didn't even flinch! :)

I left feeling great! Finally I conquered my fear and hopefully someone will get help as well! :) It was a good day!