You all are at it again – telling the Red Cross story better than we will ever be able to.

Seeing and reading about the ways your lives intersect with this charity is priceless. 

For example, Mom of G explains why she went through volunteer training:

I have completed the requirements for Volunteer Staff Orientation conducted by the American Red Cross – Dallas Area Chapter. WHY did I get this card? After we spent a week in Missouri at Grandma Sue’s house for Christmas, Given and I traveled to Oklahoma to visit my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins. They took us to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial, where we toured the grounds. I was overwhelmed with sadness over the senseless deaths of so many public servants and innocent children. I kept thinking it would be impossible to find a silver lining in this disaster; the only good thing that resulted was the kindness, heroism, and selfless acts of hundreds of people who came to help. Then I thought maybe another silver lining could be that the Memorial challenges me – and many others – to find meaningful ways to “give back.” Volunteering for the Red Cross seems like a natural way to get plugged into community service. I am excited to start working with the ARC, and I am proud of my card.

Vicki was able to conquer a fear of public speaking and in the process became a Red Cross Instructor.

I am now the proud holder of two more Red Cross certificates. Last Friday and Saturday I attended two full days of classes to become an instructor for the Red Cross. I now am able to teach Disaster classes. Funny how a couple of years ago, I hated talking in class and now I feel ready to instruct one. My kids equate my collection of class certificates to Boy Scout Badges. Whatever!

… and Shaping My Way was reminded of the importance of donating with an impromptu blood donation during her mother-daugher day. 

After writing this morning on art, my daughter and I headed out to the mall. It was a mommy-daughter day, and she couldn’t wait to act like a pre-teen and shop. She actually bought shoes with her allowance. She cannot be my child.

Anyway, as we were strolling along, she noticed a big Red Cross sign. She got all giddy and said “Hey mommy! You always say you donate when you can… can you???”

Seriously? My daughter, on our mommy-daughter-day, wants to see mommy bleed a pint?

Yeah, I did it.

Filed under: Blood, Disaster Response, Flickr, Health & Safety