COFFEE TALK #60

GIVING MEANS LIVING

 

The Christmas season is over, but for me, NOT the giving season.  Today I donated blood.  To some that may not seem like a big deal, but to me, it means that I will give the gift of life to "Someone's Ruben".  What you may ask does that mean, so let me tell you.  

 

It was a May night in 2013 when I received a call from my friend Kelly, informing me that my friend Ruben, her husband, was at the hospital after suffering some strokes and an aortic dissection.  He wanted her tell me how much my friendship meant to him.  I've never moved faster getting off the couch, in to my car and arriving at the hospital.  

 

Shortly after Ruben was going in to surgery, it was around 9:00pm.  I sat in the hospital waiting room with Kelly, their (then 10 year old) daughter Faith and our mutual friend Heather all night long while Ruben's life was in the hands of the doctors and God.  It was a long night with a lot of questions, much hope and many prayers.  

 

At around 5:00 in morning, the doctor appeared to advise us that Ruben was out of surgery and in the ICU.  Kelly thanked the doctor, and it was then that we all got hit right between the eyes with a revelation that would all but knock our socks off.  The doctor said that, "It took over 50 people who gave blood who saved Ruben's life".  Fifty people that we did not know.  Fifty people that we couldn't thank personally, but because of their generous act of donating blood, were responsible for Ruben pulling through surgery that night.  

 

Ever since that fateful night, whenever possible I've donated blood!  It has become a compulsion for me, as I know that by giving this precious gift, I will have a hand in "Saving someone's Ruben".  

 

Here we are almost 10 years after this horrific life threatening experience Ruben endured, and he is doing well.  The doctors, God, and those 50 unknown people are the reason he's still with us.  Whenever I've shared this story, it never fails, I tear up.  I encourage everyone reading this, that if you are able to give blood, please do so.  This most generous gift will allow someone to live.  Give blood for someone's Ruben.