Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Gift of Life

Nearly 16 years ago, I received a blood transfusion that helped save my life. Just got an email from the American Red Cross telling me that January is National Blood Donor month. I am so grateful to the person who donated blood and helped save my life.  And I would challenge you to consider donating blood this month, I know I will be donating.  Donate blood and give the gift of life.

Please read this poem.

The Gift of Life

By: Christi Mead Nielsen

Someone saved my life today.
I don't know who they are or even know their name.
I don't know if they are male or female or the color of their eyes or skin or hair.
I don't know how they make their living or what they dream of doing when they go out to play.
I don't know if they believe in God or just the kindness of strangers.
I don't know what made them open that door and leave a part of themselves inside.
I do know their priceless gift was the difference between life and death.
My life. My death.
Without their gift my husband would be without his wife, my son without his mother.
People I love would mourn a sister, a daughter, a friend.
Without their gift my dreams would have died unrealized, unshared, unexplored.
But someone saved my life today with a sacrificial gift of blood.
My family lives together whole.
I live a life of dreams I now make real.
Someone saved my life today.
I don't know who or where or why.
Whoever you are I would just like to say
Thank you.

1 comment:

kimwnielsen said...

Hi Holly,
Christi Mead Nielsen was my wife of 28 years who died last fall at age 47. Thanks so much for posting her poem. She was a writer and I know is thrilled that her poem is continuing to touch people.