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When I reached home one Thursday afternoon, my landlord approached
me. He asked what is the type of my blood. I answered "B+." He smiled and I asked "Is there someone who needs blood donation?"
A 3 year old baby girl who happens to be a relative of the husband
of my landlord's daughter is confined in the hospital because of dengue fever. She needs blood transfusion.
I enthusiastically told our landlord that I was so much willing to
donate. At the back of my mind there was a little hesitation knowing that I had a problem with anemia, reason why I experienced
dizziness before. But I thought, why should I worry, after all I still have to go through blood screening whether I could
be a potential donor or not.
Actually they already found a potential male donor who is also a neighbor
and had given his "yes." So, I was the second option. Later in the night, that person refused after giving his yes. So, they
asked me. Without a second thought I excitedly answered "Sure!"
A relative of the baby went to our place and took me
to the hospital. When we reached there, the baby was
sound asleep and she had a dextrose on her hand. She
looked really helpless. It gripped my heart to see her
on the hospital bed. I directly went to the attending
nurses and told them that I wanted to donate blood for
the baby. They were hesitant because I'm female, and
mostly they said that female potential donors fail on
the veins test. But we could try though.
Another 2 male potential donors arrived. So the three of us went to
laboratory for a supposed preliminary screening. One was rejected because he just donated a blood a month ago. He can only
donate again after 3 months. The other guy was scared after he knew that it's not the red blood that's needed but the platelet
wherein the process would be a lot tedious and painful for the donor. The doctor told us that the procedure will take around
2 hours. The last guy refused again. He's just scared and we cannot force him.
I was the last option. The doctor asked me if I have donated a blood
before. I answered no. So he went to check my veins. He tied a rubber around my upper arms (both) and check for my veins.
Unfortunately, my veins are too small to undergo the procedure, therefore I could not donate. I was really really frustrated
of that. I couldn't accept it. I felt really bad. I was all willing to go through the pain however painful it would be. I
thought after all, the pain will go away eventually. The baby's life is valuable than the pain I have to bear. Besides, it's
my opportunity to help someone. And it's not just an ordinary help. It's saving someone's life.
I went home last night disappointed and feeling defeated. I was really
feeling down. Before I went to sleep I was reflecting what had happened. I don't know exactly what was God's purpose for that.
But I think, I heard Him say that there are other ways I could help people other than donating my blood. It's not how big
or small I can extend help, but my willingness to help and take action of it. And I asked Him last night, how would I be able
to help that baby then? He whispered "Pray for her." Well, the beauty of my feeling frustrated and feeling defeated is, I
was given the big privilege to pray for someone I don't even know personally...and hey it's a baby, so fragile and helpless.
I know God hears and answers my prayers. I know He will provide a blood donor for the baby. I know He will heal her. I know
she will be okay. I know her parents will see her beautiful smile again.
I am blessed. Truly blessed.
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