BUCKET LIST

Old guys like me have a bucket list whether they admit it or not.  Even if its not written down, there are things that jump around in our addled minds that stir wishes of opportunities lost that must be taken if the chance arises.  Not everything on a bucket list is a great place to visit or an exciting adventure to try.

I crossed one off my list a week ago.  Now, don't laugh.  I gave blood.

University of Cincinnati Hospital's Hoxworth Blood Center was accepting donations of blood at our church that day. You could make an appointment but walk-ins were welcome.  I gave it a try - I had tried before.

Shortly after I had entered the Army in 1965 at Fort Knox, my company was marched to the hospital to give blood.  I don't recall that we had any choice.  In any case, after the usual hurry-up and wait scenario, the doctors announced that if we had anything but rare types ab or b or Rh-negative blood we weren't needed. So back to the barracks I marched.

Another time, about 1970, I went with my wife to give blood at her parents church.  I was on an antibiotic at the time and they wouldn't take me.

I thought it was a sign (of course, it wasn't).  Now, over forty years later, I did it.  I can't give again for eight weeks.  I just might do that.  They no longer offer glazed donuts and orange juice to donors but I did get some Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies.

One word of caution.  They are very picky about people who spend time in England.  There is evidently some "mad cow" blood still flowing around over there.

Its a good deed, everyone should do.
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