Making Sacrifices

My apologies for not being around so much this week. I've been busy emptying cupboards and slowly getting some order back into my surroundings. For the most part I know what I'm up to and where I'm at...but my house is on the small side and has basically no storage area, so clutter gets in the way. Which frustrates me...thus, the control feels less than adequate in my mind.

Some of you may have noticed via stat counters that I have been out and about, around the blog world, reading you, but not commenting so much at the moment. I'll try to recitify that this weekend as much as I can.

In February last year I posted a short 'story' that I read in the book "Chicken Soup for the Soul". You may have seen it already (that series of books is very popular afterall), but this one tale in particular always helps to bring a little perspective back into my way of thinking. I choose to share it with you again today.

I hope you enjoy it.

***

"So you think I'm courageous?" she asked.

"Yes, I do."

"Perhaps I am. But that's because I've had some inspiring teachers. I'll tell you about one of them.

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at Standford Hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liza who was suffering from a rare disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liza'.

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in a bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the colour returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"

Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor, he thought he was going to have to give her ALL his blood.

"Yes, I've learned courage," she added, "because I've had inspiring teachers."

***

Thank you all for being my inspiration with your writing...and thanks for continuing to read me and comment on my site.

I trust that those of you who are sweltering in the summer get the chance to keep cool, and those that are freezing their hineys off in the winter are keeping themselves warm.

Happy weekend everyone *mwah!*

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