Bloody Good Time

YAY! I donated blood today! It may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but it was actually something that I have been wanting (and trying) to do for a few years.

 

Donating blood is close to my heart since my mom had to get quite a few blood transfusions when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. They were a life saver at times.

 

The year after her passing was a hard one for me and I decided to get out there and donate blood because it was something that was felt so close to home. After going through the interview part of the donation and getting my hemoglobin tested, I was told that it was too low and I wasn't able to donate at that time. I was literally crushed. I walked away with tears in my eyes. I didn't let it get me down and decided to try again after that. I ate all the right food, drank lots of water and headed to the donation center-only to be told my hemoglobin was still too low! Crushed again, I decided to wait longer in between trying again.

My boys' school was holding a blood drive tonight and I decided to give a third go-and IT WORKED! I was very nervous that my hemoglobin count was too low again but it was perfect this time. YAY! I know, I know, not a super big deal to some other people, but it was an emotional accomplishment for me. I felt that my blood could go on down the line and help someone in the same position as my mom, giving that persons family more time to love them.

 

Please, please, please go donate blood. It is free and doesn't take much time. And most importantly,

IT CAN SAVE A LIFE!



Dear Mom

Dear Mom,
Your wonderfull, happy smile has been popping into my head at random times of the day. It makes me think of the happy times when you were goofy and crazy. But it also makes me miss you more than ever. I wish I could pick up the phone and call you just to hear about your day. I would love to hear you say "Oh Stephanie!" If I said something or did something silly.
I have your pictures all around my house and it helps me remember you at good times. It also makes me realize that the boys won't have their Oma around to do fun stuff with. I talk about you all the time to them, and even let them know when I am missing you a ton. In return they say they miss you too and I know that  they mean it.
Almost everyday I wear the necklace you bought me at the last craft fair that we went too. And I cannot drive past a garage sale without thinking of you :). There are reminders everywhere, but it isn't the same as having you actually here. I guess memories are all I have to go on. The sad memories of your last times are beginning to be replaced with the good times we had. "Those are the memories that make me a wealthy soul."
I just wanted to tell you that I love you and wish I could hear your voice one more time. You are missed more than I can explain.

Stephanie

I usually wouldn't post something like this for everyone to see, but I tend to go into a shell about expressing my sadness of missing my mom. I am putting this out there to try to break down that barrier. I also know there are many others that miss her too.