I recently read a story about an 8 year-old boy who was at the hospital with his 5 year-old sister who had leukemia. The doctors told the family that the little girl may not make it through the night without a blood transfusion. The problem was they had no blood on hand that was of the type the little girl needed. They were searching other hospitals, but so far had not found any. They asked if each of the family members would be willing to be tested to see if they had the type of blood the little girl needed. As it turned out, the 8 year-old boy was the only one in the family that was a match for the type of blood his sister needed.
His parents turned to the little boy and asked if he would be willing to donate a pint of his blood to save his sister. Without even thinking, the little boy said, “Yes.”
After prepping the little boy, the doctor began drawing his blood and transferring it to his sister. When he was done, the doctor informed the little boy it was finished. The little boy turned to his mother and said, “How long until I die?”
Think about that for a moment. This little boy, without any hesitation, was willing to give his life to save his little sister.
I’ve been told this is a true story. I haven’t been able to confirm it, but I want it to be true.
Thankfully, giving his sister the blood she needed didn’t put the little boy in any danger, but he didn’t know that. He was ready to do whatever it took to save his little sister.
Would you be willing to do the same for someone you loved if you thought you would lose your life in the process? Let’s make this a little easier. Would you be willing to go through the pain and discomfort of donating blood if you knew it could save the life of someone you love? I’m guessing you wouldn’t even have to think about the second scenario, but the first scenario would probably take some thought.
Have you given any thoughts to the heroes in your life? The ones that are giving up so much to help you through your battle with Myasthenia Gravis? Maybe what they are doing is easy, but what if they are really sacrificing to help you? What if you don’t even realize they are sacrificing?
Maybe we should be thankful for and truly be appreciative of anyone who helps us, regardless of their circumstances. In fact, we may not even understand what their circumstances are or how much they are sacrificing. Let’s just assume every act of kindness, every hand of help they extend, is a sacrifice and let’s appreciate them as such.
We don’t always understand everything that’s going on, but if we do what is right in our heart, God will help us through it. Thanks, little boy. Thanks, everyone who reads my blogs. Thanks, everyone who supports and helps me. I truly do appreciate you.