April 15...a date on the calendar for most of us, and it’s proverbial reminder that Uncle Sam is around the corner. However, for me, this date now stays etched in my mind forever. For on this date 16 years ago, a very dear friend’s life came to a sudden end. Her life was taken far too soon, yet she gifted me with a gift I now carry on to today.

We met in 1998 at work. We had a lot in common. Our love of our children, family, cooking, telling jokes, and helping others. Her smile was contagious. That in itself brought much happiness and joy to those around her.

Michelle was, and had been for several years, a blood donor. Even though she was born with juvenile diabetes, she didn’t let it bring her down. As for me, the mere thought of needles sent unwavering messages of pain in my mind. But one day she approached me in my office and invited me to join her at her upcoming donation. I hesitated, but then quickly thought “I’ll go for support and the snacks”.  Once there, my guilt gave in and I signed up to donate. Things did not go well....but  deep down inside, I knew this was something I shouldn’t walk away from. I went back a few weeks later and the process was almost seamless. I walked away with a feeling of sincerity and gratitude.

Yesterday was a sad day for me, but those feelings of sadness quickly turned to feelings of joy.  A life lesson was also born. Had Michelle’s presence never entered my world, I would have never went on my own to donate blood.

Fast forward to today and my donation level is at just over 11 gallons. My journey has now been going on strong for over 12 years. It has  instilled in me the gift of saving lives is something we can all do, and it’s free.

By the way, my blood type is 0-. This blood type has an amazing power to save anyone in need of a blood transfusion. Donors with this powerful blood type are called universal donors because their red blood cells can be transfused into any patient, regardless of the recipients’s blood type. Only 7% of the population has O- blood, yet it is the blood type in the highest demand.

Sometimes in life you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it. Thank you Michelle for that chance meeting all so long ago. Your story was not finished on earth, but your legacy lives on. And every time I walk into my local blood center to donate, your smiling face is the first thing I see when I open the door.