TW, mentions of blood and death
When we accidentally cut or graze ourselves , it is often seen as an inconvenience . I remember desperately contorting my body in such a way as to avoid getting blood on my mum’s fresh white towels after nicking myself mid shave in the shower. Working in the kitchen is the same. The rush to grab a plaster is no more to help heal myself than it is to avoid vampirically seasoning someone’s food. I never really think about my blood . I don’t even really know what type it is. I know my mum told me some tale of how her’s is rare, but that is all. Sometimes I think about donating blood . I hate the needles though. I hate the feeling of my warm insides coursing through a tube, leaning against my skin. I hate how many times the nurses prick me, searching for the right spot. I hate how my arm goes purple when they tie it up too tight. But most of all , I hate that I haven’t donated blood yet .
Talia Joy
I remember when I was younger how there was a young girl who went on The Ellen Show. She loved experimenting with bright make-up looks. Her audience loved it too. Talia Joy. I remember hearing her say in her young voice how she had neuroblastoma and leukaemia. Her voice carried a melody that should not yet have known the words it uttered. Someone so young and pure. A blank slate. A sprouting seed. At that age, my biggest medical emergency was chicken pox. Any worry I did have about the polka dots running rampant on my skin began to feel selfish and ebb away. Talia passed away at age 13. It felt unreal at the time. As news broke, her masses of fans were left in disbelief. Reeling. This was supposed to be one of those stories where the heroine defies all odds. She hadn’t yet begun her life and it had already been swept away. Talia Joy was on television . She was on our screens. I wonder how many Talia’s are behind one. Similar stories across the globe but much lesser known. Young and pure. Blank slates. In need of blood.
I look forward to donating blood . I hope it serves someone well . I wish we didn’t have to glorify such simple acts of humanity to encourage people to participate.
As I publish this, I’m going to book an appointment to donate. My hope is I can write a follow up. To tell anyone that listens how it’s “not that bad”, because I hope you book an appointment too.
I hope someone reads this and is reminded to donate blood.
As trivial as it sounds, I intend to make bracelets for all those who do. I hope I can make one for you.
In memory and admiration of Talia Joy, 1999-2013.
My thoughts and prayers are forever with her family.
In honour of all the current Talia Joys.
No more wasted blood.
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