Oh how there are days when I wish that I were in the possession of a video camera. Yesterday was one of those days. My writings of the event will not do it justice...this I am sure. In Church on Sunday a sign up sheet to donate blood was passed around. I passed it up thinking that I have given blood to the Red Cross enough times in my life to reap the blessings of eternal salvation. However, after no one signed up the first time they laid on a guilt trip and passed it around again. This time I signed the sheet and since Clayton has never donated blood before I figured I would help him earn heavenly service points by convincing him to go with me. Back in the dating days I could make him do anything for me. Oh how those were the days. Today is a different story. I "mentioned" to him on Sunday that I had signed up and that he "could" come with me if he wanted to. I think he mumbled something like, "I'll think about it" hoping that would be enough and I would forget about it. Hello Clayton! Do you not remember who you married!?! I remember EVERYTHING.
So Wednesday comes and I call him up and say, "Are you going to be a man and come donate blood with me or are you going to stay home?" After a long silence and several "uhhh's" he said, "ya I'll come." Keep in mind that Clayton is deathly, DEATHLY afraid of needles. We get to the Church, sign in and wait for our names to be called. The only other time I have seen him this nervous is when we went sky diving in Hawaii. The only difference between that time and this time was that this time his mouth was rather clean. Not the "I just brushed it clean" but the "not swearing clean." I tried to reassure him that the finger prick that they give you in the interview thing to test your blood is worse then the actually needle. He didn't buy this (although I really think it is). He said, "oh I doubt that! They stick a freaking hose up your arm." He was so fidgety, taking deep breaths every 3 seconds. Finally we went in for our interviews and then headed for the chairs to have our blood taken. Clayton had the whole gym cracking up with his nervousness. The nurse put the blood cuff on to cut his circulation off a bit and his legs went straight up in the air. I lost count on how many time she told him to "calm down." I thought that they were going to have to strap his legs down because every time he "thought" that she was going to stick him he kicked his legs up in the air. I think that I might buy him some cheerleading shoes to go with those kicks. The nurse kept asking him how he was doing and each time he replied, "I haven't decided yet." He hadn't decided during the blood giving process or after it was all done. But 5min and 50 sec later it was all over with. By the way my time was 4 minutes and 18 seconds. He didn't know that I was racing...but it is better that way. Next time Clayton you need to pump your hand. Anyway after stocking up on 4 things of orange juice and 6 bags of trailmix we were headed home.
So Wednesday comes and I call him up and say, "Are you going to be a man and come donate blood with me or are you going to stay home?" After a long silence and several "uhhh's" he said, "ya I'll come." Keep in mind that Clayton is deathly, DEATHLY afraid of needles. We get to the Church, sign in and wait for our names to be called. The only other time I have seen him this nervous is when we went sky diving in Hawaii. The only difference between that time and this time was that this time his mouth was rather clean. Not the "I just brushed it clean" but the "not swearing clean." I tried to reassure him that the finger prick that they give you in the interview thing to test your blood is worse then the actually needle. He didn't buy this (although I really think it is). He said, "oh I doubt that! They stick a freaking hose up your arm." He was so fidgety, taking deep breaths every 3 seconds. Finally we went in for our interviews and then headed for the chairs to have our blood taken. Clayton had the whole gym cracking up with his nervousness. The nurse put the blood cuff on to cut his circulation off a bit and his legs went straight up in the air. I lost count on how many time she told him to "calm down." I thought that they were going to have to strap his legs down because every time he "thought" that she was going to stick him he kicked his legs up in the air. I think that I might buy him some cheerleading shoes to go with those kicks. The nurse kept asking him how he was doing and each time he replied, "I haven't decided yet." He hadn't decided during the blood giving process or after it was all done. But 5min and 50 sec later it was all over with. By the way my time was 4 minutes and 18 seconds. He didn't know that I was racing...but it is better that way. Next time Clayton you need to pump your hand. Anyway after stocking up on 4 things of orange juice and 6 bags of trailmix we were headed home.
If you look close at the above picture you can tell that he is holding his breath
I look like the devil in this picture with my eyes all red.
I am very proud of you Clayton even though I tease you. Giving blood for the first time is a hard thing to do.
12 comments:
that is pretty much the funniest thing i have heard today. I can just see Claytons legs shooting right up. haha. Thank goodness his mouth was cleaner than when we went sky diving... I have never heard some many "dirty" words come out of someones mouth in one sentence.....!
Good Job Clayton! I am such a baby when it comes to needles, maybe i should try donating to get over my fear!
Oh boy I still haven't given blood yet I'm to scared. you would think after 3 kids I could get enough guts to do it. your awsome. Good job Clayton.
Good job guys. I think I'm done saving lives because this is my track record...
1st time...girl dug around forever, trying to find vein. Had to do other arm after too much digging. Owww.
2nd...made fun of people that pass out, then I passed out. then i woke up, felt better, felt bad, threw up. gay guy wiped my mouth. that whole story is actually quite funny.
3rd...got woosy...not bad. oh also the blood started coming out of my arm while the needle was in there. no one would tell me what was going on until later.
4th time...couldn't give cause my heart rate was too fast from being freaked.
5th...my friend made me jump right as the nurse stuck the needle in, so the needle punctured more than normal, resulting in a pretty bruise.
6th...the guy took out the needle, let me see the hole in my arm instead of blocking my view with the gaze, I got lightheaded and pretty close to puking, so they hurried and got me water and stuff.
I think that's it cause I quit. I like to write novels on your blog. You just inspire me so.
by the way, i think it's really gauze. perhaps? i just feel the need to correct myself since I hold such high standards for those around me.
Way to gooooo Clayton! We're proud of you for donating blood for the very first time. Care to try it again???? So soon??? Love ya
I have never donated blood- so good for you guys and congrats Clayton. I have been through child birth twice (not minding it at all) and and scared to death of donating blood- kinda crazy!
way to go guys. clayton quit being such a wuss. :) you guys should have made your way over to the softball game after. i think we only had 26 players, we really coulda used you! haha i only batted twice & played in the outfield every OTHER inning. & we still got our butts kicked..
Good Job Buddy! You guys are awesome I am totally impressed. I confess that I am way too scared to give blood too. Maybe I have been inspired. Yes, we are friends again and I added you guys to my blog. By the way Clayton your wife is beautiful! You are a lucky man, I think our little Hawaii gang all did pretty well with our eternal companions. DOn't you think?
way to go dawg...you da bomb!!! you are my role model!! oh and heidi what kindof pose was that???? if this shows up as cristens name it is not this is your freaking cool brother brandon
I draw blood on peaople daily and I still get really light headed or pass out when I donate. So tell your hubby that I am proud of him and his willingness to save a life. I have learned that if I eat and drink like crazy before, I feel so much better.
the pose looks like power rangers or something-heidi's not clayton's.
good job for overcoming your fear
Post a Comment