:: jotting the lines ::

It’s been 2 years since I last donated blood. Nothing wrong in between the two years, I just don’t trust any public blood donation now. This time around in church, we have doctors and nurses from National Blood Bank coming to our church to drive this blood donation campaign. I have even forgotten about the date until the service director announced on the bulletin during church service today. I thought to myself, OK, let’s give it a try since I had enough sleep from last night and I fulfilled all of the criteria.
1. Weight 45kg and above

2. With minimum 6 hours of sleep

3. No menstrual

4. Not pregnant

5. Not HIV positive carrier

6. Not taking any medication

7. No diabetes and hypertension

This is my 6th time donating blood, the last time I donated was in Australia. I can still remember which time I fainted and which time not. The first time was OK, like normal only had two bruises on both arms. The nurses couldn’t spot the right vein. Second time was a bit worse than first, bruises and fainted in the bus. Third time was slightly better, only felt a bit dizzy after reaching home. Fourth time was the worst and most traumatizing one till date. I thought by sitting on the recliner chair for around 15 minutes immediately after the donation should give me enough of rest. I woke up and as I proceeded to take my refreshment at the bar, I saw stars flying around. I couldn’t be still and fell on the ground. I couldn’t breathe. I felt my heart beating fast and there wasn’t enough oxygen to grasp. I struggled for air, I couldn’t remember what was then. I was in bed with oxygen mask after gaining back my consciousness. The nurses told me it was the second tank of oxygen I was inhaling to. I didn’t know what to do as I was all alone reflecting what had happened hours ago. Man, trust me the struggle of breathing is unbearable. The heart was so helpless to give what the brain yearns for. You won’t want to ‘die’ again. And that was also the moment I stop entertaining committing suicidal thought.

My fifth time was accompanied by my house mate, I made sure I had enough food consumption and fit enough to donate. The doctors seemed to have my records stored in their database, they asked me plenty of questions upon my registration and did the usual test to make sure I am physically fine to donate. No issue that time, the people had been good to me. I got a key chain which engraved with A+ Red Cross on the Australia map as souvenir. How sweet and memorable.

So this is my sixth time, without feeling dizzy and bruises around my arm. How encouraging to see myself feeling well! Praise the Lord, it’s all good!

Note: If you’re carrier of A / B +ve and -ve blood group , you’re encouraged to donate! O -ve, your blood is even precious than any other blood group! So give it away while you can!

We can’t deny the fact that bad things happen in life, be it within your control or it is beyond your control.

No matter how terrible the situation is, nothing would separate you from the grace of God. Unless you reject Him, for He will not give up on you.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21

In spite of all things happened recently which had caused me into a lot of confusions and troubles, yet my soul knows very well that I am safe in the grace of God.

This post is specially dedicated to a blogger friend of mine who recently chat with me via googletalk that had inspired me to draw this picture thus with these few lines. Things can be worse if without Him.

And also dedicate this post to those who ask where is God when they needed Him the most. You shall find Him if only you don’t focus on your problems alone.