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Monday Mash-Up:

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October 1, 2012

“I donated blood today because: I am no longer blacklisted,” that’s what my donation sticker said after giving blood last week.  7 years (or so) ago, I got blacklisted. Not because of copious drug use of the needle variety, but because I have Mitral Valve Prolapse.  Which, at that point in time, was considered a heart disease and heart diseases land you on the “you can never donate blood again EVER” list.  I had heard that their guidelines had changed on the subject and wouldn’t you know it, I am a blood donor again. After getting checked for “track marks” and making the entire situation awkward by my continually talking about “The Wild & Wonderful Whites of West Virgina” they shoved the hugest needle into my vein which I could feel the entire time they drained me. I can’t believe that I was ever used to that feeling.

Speaking of disbelief, today begins the countdown to my being a mother of a teenage boy, in just 21 days Austin will be 13.   Risking that I am echoing the thoughts of every parent reading this I will say that it happens all too soon.  I have been dreading the idea of being a parent to a teenager since the moment I found out I was pregnant…isn’t that awful?  Truthfully, I wanted to stay pregnant forever and have them cut out a fully functioning adult from my womb. “Not only is it impossibly, but it’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard,” my doctor told me. Yeah that right there, is just one of the reasons why I found him to be a complete bore.  Whatever my reservations were about teenage rearing, as time goes by, they seem to be less of a concern.  This state of personhood that Austin is in is SO amazing. The things that he can grasp, the way he can manipulate his humor and the depth in which he allows his thoughts to go…I don’t know, I just feel so honored to be on the inside of this process. Reminding me that every step, along the way, is adding up to something monumental.  We parents, are artist in the making, sculpting our children until it is no longer required. I see now the subtle signs of his independence and appreciate the person he is guiding himself to be. 13! I just can’t believe it is almost here.

 

 

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  • TDW

    Your post reminded me of this quote from The Jerk, “I’ve been eating well though, as the hospital gives out free meals of orange juice and cookies and all I have to do is give them a pint of blood. I ate there all week, three times a day, and I decided to quit when I cut myself shaving and nothing came out but air.”

    In 3 years, I’m going to call you for teenage years advice.

    October 03 2012
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    • Tiny D

      Harm – I’ve been the parent of an official teenager for a little over a month now. I’m still alive and that counts for something, although my sources tell me that boys are infinitely less complex than girls so…whatever that’s suppose to mean. (watch out TB/RSR) Anyway, I’m proud as punch of my girl, and intend to continue boarding her for now. Congrats to Austin and you on the impending accomplishment.
      I can attest to the physically small discrimination celebrated by the Red Cross. But once you do prove to them that you are eligible to give, DON’T make the mistake of giving them your phone number. I had to be a bit rude one day and ask to be removed from their calling list. Seriously, you can’t give blood every two weeks. Vampires indeed.

      October 02 2012
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      • Irvine Redd

        And Mac, yes The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia is amazing.

        October 02 2012
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        • Irvine Redd

          I’m not a parent, nor have I ever been blacklisted, but I’m sure both will happen eventually.

          Well I’ve never been black listed in any official capacity, though I’m fairly certain their are some places that I’m no longer welcome.

          Good luck with the teenage years. I’ll just say from my experience, JL was excellent during those years, so I’m pretty pleased she didn’t die while they proved I was inside her belly.

          October 02 2012
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          • Harmony

            Bev ~ Because of your comment, I looked up other conditions that would disqualify someone from being able to donate. To which I found out that physically small people are not allowed to donate (it makes sense, but it still caught me off guard). And? You’re not fooling anyone with that Grinch comments..we all know how lovely and wonderful you are.

            TB ~ Not that long ago, I was saying the same thing about Austin. It’s unbelievable how smoothly the transition happens. Also, I just wanted to make a side note that MVP is not the big of a deal, it’s very common. Nothing like the big C. I’m with you though, a good sense of humor is what keeps things in perspective.

            October 02 2012
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            • Travellinbaen

              I can’t even imagine scamp as a teenager. Man, the bittersweetness of the foreshadowing from “big-kid” parents like you is enough to make you veklempt.

              On subjects I’m more prepared to deal with, needles suck.

              And finally, God bless to you and Bev and others who have been through the physical/emotional wringer of serious illness. Amazing the sense of humor y’all have come out the other side with.

              October 02 2012
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              • Bev

                Congrats on getting off the blacklist! I’m on that sucker for life, thanks to my 13 years of living with the big C. I used to donate all the time, mainly for the free juice and cookies. Too bad the Red Cross doesn’t want any more of my plasma, because my Type O is fabulous, bitchessss! Oh well, more for me.

                This line, “This state of personhood that Austin is in is SO amazing” not only made me smile, but I’m pretty sure my Grinch heart grew two sizes, too. You’re a great mom, Harmony. xo

                October 02 2012
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                • Harmony

                  Mac ~ I agree, it’s one of the best! I didn’t feel like I came across the way I would have liked to, while discussing it non-stop.

                  JL ~ My goodness! You should be given a medal every single time you donate. That’s quite the effort, but I know it’s appreciated. <3

                  October 02 2012
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                  • Jessie Lou

                    Harm – I usually pass out when giving blood – I’m the chick they turn upside down on that gurney while I momentarily join the ranks of the inbetween. When I had bloodwork to confirm little IR was with me I really thought I was going to drift away and die and it was pretty peaceful. I don’t think God will be that merciful to me! I usually let them know that I have passed out before and the vampires are never pleased with that possibility. At least I give anyway.

                    October 02 2012
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                    • Mac

                      “The Wild & Wonderful Whites of West Virginia” is the best documentary I have ever seen. Bar none.

                      October 01 2012
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