“You may not be dying to give blood, but someday you may be dying to get it”
Those words haunted the invitation, a wave of thought that rippled across the minds that read them making them stop in the midst of life, and wonder at the truth of that phrase. A few Sundays ago last November, to the ordinary man, was a cheerful holiday. The rain clouds were replaced with the warmth of tropical sunshine. To us, it was a day of hope, strength and a sense of satisfaction that nothing else could match at the School for the Blind.
Fifty six donors from across the city and its suburbs came together in a selfless act of donation at the second Blood Donation Camp organized by the voluntary group, “My Blood-Your Life”.
We are a group of individuals, known to each other through friends and family. Young adults, if I may say so myself, we study, long hours to certify ourselves in this world where a piece of paper, usually recycled, measures your wealth of knowledge; we work, five corporate days a week, trying to earn an extra buck or two – just like everyone else. It is our weekends and leisure time that truly makes a difference in our lives, for it is then that we sit together and talk, discuss, argue and brainstorm and decide who we’d help next – because we believe, that we can make a difference.
What would it be like to see the whole world in darkness? What would it be like to hear nothing but feel things are not right? What would it be like if you were dependent on someone for the rest of your life? Would it be peaceful? Would it be convenient? Would it be frustrating? I closed my eyes to the world, imagined the things I could do without seeing, picturing, knowing. I closed my eyes and saw that everything would be different – arguments will be quiet, music would be far too soft, warm wishes would go unnoticed.
But what made my heart sink? What is it that made my stomach feel tight and sunken with deep seated emotion?
Knowing. Knowing that there were a hundred children, younger, elder or even my age who didn’t know. They couldn’t know what life would be like with sight, their arguments were quiet, the music they heard was far too soft and the warmest love and wishes were unnoticed. And yet, they had shelter, food, clothing, education. The rudiments we need to survive in this ruthless world. The School for the Blind, in Ratmalana provides and cares for these children.
I sat back that day, towards the warmer hours of the day, and watched them sit beneath the shade of a tree, feeling their fingers along the drum sticks of a Western Side Drum, and slowly start beating to the rhythm of the vibration. They played a quiet yet entertaining game of cricket after lunch, whacking high boundaries to the sounds of a rattling ball. And I wondered if they knew that they didn’t know as much as they should have. But then I thought they must be happy. How peaceful and tranquil their minds might be without the sounds of violence and politics, without seeing the consequences of wrong decisions made over power and money, seeing death in inequitable and unreasonable numbers.
I was happy. Not because I could see or hear or know, but because I could give. I gave a part of me, and I knew that that part of me would give someone a chance at life - a chance to apologize, a chance to forgive, a chance to realize in solitude.
I gave a part of me to a person that society calls a criminal, I gave a part of me to someone who betrays, argues and angers easily. I gave a part of me to a mother, a father, a notable figure of the public. I gave a part of me to a student, a leader of the future. I gave with compassion, and kindness. I gave someone a part of me, someone I don’t know and may never will.
Young blood for a better
“My Blood – Your Life” is a volunteer group of young people who strive to make a difference in society. Brought together by the most powerful merit of giving, they are regular blood donors and are looking to be further involved in social service.
The group will join in the organizing of blood donation campaigns for individuals or companies as charity projects. For more details contact them at
mybloodyourlife@gmail.com , or join thei
|
E-mail
