Conquering Fear

Even though the Random Acts of Kindness theme was slated for February, I firmly believe that the results of such acts can last for a lifetime. That being said, I would like to share a random act of kindness I was fortunate to observe. 


My co-worker is an extremely amiable person. He has a vibrant personality and a genuine sense of honesty. A few months ago, the topic of blood donation had come up in conversation. As it turns out, the RI Blood Center was hosting its seasonal blood drive in the Memorial Union atriums. My co-worker had never donated blood before; in fact, the idea frankly frightened him. Nevertheless, he decided to accompany me to the Union. We registered and it was evident the trepidation still resided inside him. His first comment as we stepped inside the room--"It smells like death in here." Nevertheless, he sat and waited. We went through the paperwork, the iron content testing, and made conversation over provided snacks. Time tinkered by. There was a stage full of people eager to donate ahead of us and a showing of "Happy Feet" across the room. 


When a turn was offered to us,  he graciously declined. We sat and watched as throngs of students had a pint of blood or plasma removed from their bodies. He was on-edge. He was perfectly okay with leaving right then and there. But he just sat and waited. Watched as others before and after him donated their share. I checked my watch and took the next opening. I was short on time. 


The hour hand neared seven o'clock and my co-worker finally stood up. He would be the last donation for the day. The expression on his face illustrated the thoughts running through his mind. He confessed his first-time-donator status to the phlebotomist, and she instinctively smiled and reassured him. 


As I headed out, my co-worker was still lying on the bench-like table, his eyes glued to the ceiling. 


He admits, post-donation, that although the process was not as nerve-racking as he has feared it to be, donating blood was not on the top ten of his favorite activities. Nevertheless, it was his courage and willingness to face his fears that were inspirational. My co-worker and very good friend, took a moment from his daily routine to step out of his comfort zone in order to do a great deed. This random act of kindness immediately touched three lives and indirected influenced many more.