I fainted yesterday.

Fainting spells have been an old friend of mine for a long time. Mostly, they involve blood. Not always though. As a little girl, I would faint when my mom was curling my hair. Weird.

Anyway, the MAJORITY of my fainting revolves around blood and the gross surrounding tissues. I've cut my fingers a few times while making dinner, and I always wake up on the floor. When Landon knocked out his teeth many years ago, there was so much blood I felt sick. Let me tell you, I had some heavenly help so I could get him to the dentist before I almost fainted in the exam room. Luckily for me, a chair was right there to catch my fall.

My experience yesterday also involved blood, but not in the same way.I wanted to donate blood to the Red Cross. Because of certain medications I have to take, I've always been told I cannot donate blood. So I never have. Ever. I decided to call and see if the restrictions were still the same? Surprisingly, they were not. I was good to go. Hooray! I was so excited.

I got myself ready for the day and headed to the designated spot. Having no idea what to expect, my heart sank a little as I pulled into the parking lot and a saw a Red Cross mobile unit parked. Surely, that cannot be where people are donating blood? Saving lives? The truck looked smaller by the second.I parked my car and walked in. Oh boy.

I'm fine.

Truthfully, I really was. I filled out all the paperwork and checked my pulse and blood pressure. The lady poked my finger to check my iron levels. Everything was great, so I moved to one of the reclining chairs and got prepped to give blood. The needle was in, the blood was coming out. Everything was perfect.

The employees would ask me periodically how I was doing? Fine, I replied. And I was. After 15 minutes or so, the bag was full and they started the finishing process. I was done. I still felt normal.

And then, I didn't.

I asked for juice because I felt really woozy. All of a sudden the room was HOT. Is the truck getting smaller? Where did all these people come from?? The previously empty red cross mobile unit was now full of people, all with bags of blood tethered to their arms. I had to get out of there!

I don't feel good, but I decide I need fresh air. I stand up and walk 4 steps to the exit.

"Are you ok?," an employee asks.

"Yep. I'm just..."

The next thing I knew I was in the arms of this same employee, and he is pouring cold water on my face maybe? I can't tell. He tilted my head back and put something really cold on my forehead. It felt divine. I slowly regained enough consciousness to walk (with help!) those 4 steps back to the recliner. More cold on my forehead and my neck. I laid on my back for several more minutes.

Then, almost as quickly as the fainting spell had come, it was gone. I picked up my purse, walked through the exit this time, and drove home.

Looking back, I am embarrassed. Fainting at home is one thing, but fainting in public is definitely worse. I'm embarrassed that blood makes me faint. I think because my dad and husband are physicians, that I should have a stronger stomach.

Unfortunately, that's not how it works. I faint fairly often, and blood seems to be my kryptonite.

However, I feel like I did some good today. The Red Cross told me on the phone that they are in dire need of blood right now. It made my heart happy that I could serve in this small way, fainting or not.

p.s. if you are injured and bleeding, I may not be your go-to person. Just sayin'.

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