Running a Pint Low
Category: Kitchen Sink...
Posted Monday, December 10, 2007 at 07:46 PM [GMT-6]

I stopped by yesterday's reception for SSgt. John Faulkenberry and was pleased to see that I was joining a good crowd of folks who were donating blood in his honor. After I gave my pint, I met him and his wife, and visited with his dad, grandad, and aunt, all of whom I've known for years. It was a nice gathering, in every respect, although I'm not sure how many in attendance realized that the rehab on John's leg is still not out of the critical phase just yet. If you've got room on your prayer list for one more, you might fit him in there.

It had been a while since I donated blood, almost two years. Prior to that, I had been a pretty regular donor – every eight weeks – but just got out of the habit after a spell when I thought I was too busy to make the time for it. This was a good reminder to take that privilege more seriously in the future. I've got eight weeks flagged in my PDA now.

I had also forgotten about the aftereffects, until I got on the treadmill this morning, intending to run four miles. I managed to get in half that distance while still feeling like I'd run a marathon (not that I've ever actually run a marathon, but I assume that it makes you feel like warmed over spit). I walked another mile and called it a day, workout-wise.

I'm not complaining, though; not really. Compared to what those who need the blood have gone through, feeling a little rundown for a day isn't even worth mentioning.