I've been kind of a cry baby lately. It seems I can cry at the drop of a hat. Okay, I'm always like that, but even more so today.
I spent the last five minutes at mass today crying like a baby. But I didn't feel so silly when I looked around and saw many other wet faces in the crowd as well.
A 9 year old boy got up at the end of mass to ask the congregation to donate blood. He explained that his 7 year old sister was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and that even though he was able to be a bone marrow donor for her that alone could not save her life. He told us of all the transfusions she has had and how she will most certainly need more. He spoke about the fundraisers that the church and school have been putting together to help his family out financially and that they have also organized a blood drive. He gave tips for those worried about needles (look away, count to three), and told us to make sure to eat well before giving blood. He thanked everyone for their support, asked for prayers for his sister, and then stepped down from the pulpit.
The whole congregation erupted into applause for this little hero and many of us were reaching for hankies as well.
I knew about this little girl because she is a first grader at school with Joey and Tommy. The school (which is connected with our church) has been working feverishly to help the family out any way possible. But I don't know that any of the school's efforts will quite match what that little boy has done. It was absolutely outstanding. Not only in his courage and strength when he donated his bone marrow for his sister, but then getting up in front of hundreds of people for each mass this weekend and getting others involved in helping his sister too. I have tears in my eyes right now just thinking about it.
It sure does put things into perspective. It is hard to be upset about a poor showing at our open house when I was just reminded what is really important.
Tonight, I'm gonna hug my boys a little tighter. I'm gonna be a little more patient. I'm gonna read an extra story for bedtime.
And, on Thursday I'm gonna give blood.
When was the last time you gave blood?
39 comments:
You're right. That does put things in perspective.
I'm not surprised that eyes were teary. I sure hope that little sweetie's sister gets well. What a gift of heart he has given her.
What a brave, sweet little boy. I hope his courageous speech gets an outpouring of blood donations.
I'd be surprised if there were any dry eyes that morning.
I can not imagine. I'm with you, extra books tonight!!
And great for you giving blood. I need to do that too.
Thanks for the reminder!
I can see why you were crying, I would've to. I'm sad to say it has been a while since I gave blood.
WOW - what a brave and committed little man. His strength and love for his sister will actually save many, many people.
What a story. Thank you for sharing.
That's wonderful, K. And, I we've both been on edge, & I think I know why. Believe it or not, I gave once and they chunked my blood. It made me so mad I've never tried since.
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I love donating blood. My problem is that I'm borderline anemic so I often get turned away.
That is such a sad story. The 21year old down the street was diagnosed with some kind of lymphomic cancer and there's a benefit for him tonight. It makes me sad to see anyone going through it much less kids.
wow, that does put things into perspective, huh? i gave blood on tuesday...i give every 8 weeks...it's just a habit. when i donate, i schedule the next one while i'm there...it's the only way i get it done.
Thanks for sharing the story. You are right about being thankful for everything you have and how healthy your own family is. I wish I could donate blood..I can hardly give blood for tests (hard to find my veins) plus a little anemic. My prayers are with that family.
I got brave once -probably about 18 years ago now -and went to donate blood but was refused because they said it was too thick and wouldn't flow through the veins properly. But, all three of my kids donate regularly and have no problems whatsoever. Also, now that I have had chemo and radiation, I've been led to believe that would make me unacceptable to as a donor. But prayers are not beyond my domain.
I'd have been crying at the end of that kid's speech. What a heart.
Wow- what a sweet sweet story. How wonderful that this little guy did such a thing for his little sister.
what a brave little guy. and thanks for posting this. there is such a need for donors. i actually have my 5 gallon pin and would still be donating but i have been medically excluded for a while now. i certainly encourage others to give though.
What an amazing boy. There is a church blood drive here next month. After hearing this story I am reminded how important it is for me to participate. Thanks.
Awwww! That is simply precious!!!! We, meaning me especially, can learn a LOT from that little boy!!!! After the week I had, I need these kind of reminders of all the good that is around us!
What a brave and encouraging little boy!!! By spreading his story, he is touching sooooo many more lives!!! I hope he knows!!! :))
Thanks for sharing!
P.S. I also enjoyed reading your Halloween stories and seeing your Halloween pics!!! They were GREAT!!! I haven't been on blogger too much this week, so it was fun to go back and read it all! Your stories were soooo much fun - almost like a book!!! :))
Have a good week, girl!!!!
Wow. What an amazing little guy. I hope things go well for all of them.
I would have been a sloppy, crying mess too. What love!!! I hope that little girl gets all the help she needs.
I have only given blood a couple of times for my little brother because he has leukemia just like this little boy's sister. Unfortunately I am not a match for the bone marrow transplant but I am his emergency blood supply.
I will be keeping that family in my thoughts.
The last time I gave blood was the day after 9/11...way too long ago. That little boy would have had me crying as well. I have so much to be thankful for.
I forgot I wanted to say "THANK YOU" for praying for me!!!! I can't tell you how good it feels to have so many friends who love me and care!!! I know it made a difference and it means soooo much to me!!!! :) Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!!!
That definitely puts things into perspective.
Last donation was between pregnancies...guess I can do it again. Thanks for the reminder. And, good for you for doing it this week.
Found you blog through Laura @ synchronization of us and thought i would say hi. This post brought me to tears. Sometimes i wish i had the courage of a child because they can be so fearless.
That's a sweet story. I've never been able to donate blood, despite being O+ because I don't meet the required weight guideline of 115lbs.
nothing like a child to cut straight to the truth! i volunteer for our city's blood service (donor after care) but i'm overdue to donate. i'll make it appt right now!!! thanks for stopping by kat
I haven't given blood in a while, I guess partly because I was still nursing. Thanks for the reminder and that child is amazing for getting up and speaking at only 9 years old! WOW!
Such a touching and sweet post! Thank you for sharing!
It's been a while, but thanks for the reminder. Sometimes that all I need.
ok, first, stop that. Your being upset about a poor showing at an open house is nothing to feel guilty about. Weren't you the one who taught me that everybody's struggles are important and not comparable? What that family is going through helps us to take stock of how blessed we are, reminds us to hug our kids more and to not sweat the small things (and to do our part in donating blood and marrow). Your house will sell. I have high hopes for you after the elections are over, people are just preoccupied right now. *hugs*
Thanks for these sweet thoughts. The sister is blessed to have illness reveal how much her brother and community love her.
I would have been bawling, too, Kathryn! How touching that a little boy would be so brave and inspiring to help his sister.
I tried to donate in September through my hubby's work, but they told me they had no spots! I'd never heard of being turned away from donating blood before! I've been donating since I was 17. I go at least once a year, but it's always easier if there's a blood drive.
I will go set up an appointment, though. :)
yes, that would have been very moving!!!!!
That family is in my prayers. What a beautiful post. Life really is about gratitude and giving back, isn't it?
hugs
jo
What a brave little boy...
That is so sad but wow what a brave little boy. I have never been able to give blood, unfortunately. Also I stole your leaf pictures for my blog! But with my kids instead ;)
I am completely choked up. I used to give blood in highschool all the time but I don't think I have since then. I am going to remedy that! Thank you for passing this along.
we all need perspective now and then, I need it more regularly, like you, I cry, I worry, I fret!!
Sigh....lovely post!!
That is beautiful. Does it really matter if the house doesn't sell you do love it. The other side to that is that you only need one buyer, people are really freaked out right now but things will calm down.
It's amazing how crisis brings out the best in some people. A 9 year old boy indeed, that little fella is a man.
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