IT WAS about 11 p.m. when I got a text blast from kuya Noli of BB-PICAG.
His text read, "Patient in pedia rm. 224 in need of type O blood ASAP."
I was still up at night as I kept on contemplating about whether to leave for Bangkok or not at the height of its State of Emergency level 2.
While I was making my reply and confirmation to the trip, I first had to discuss it with Joy.
If I decided to go, Joy had to prepare my things for the trip. But before we could decide, there was a text saying the Department of Foreign Affairs disallowed our trip. It’s for the safety of its citizens. So enough of that.
Pursuing the trip for the Asian Jr. Boxing Championships would void all insurances and assurances PH Government could give. I also realized while it wasn’t such a hassle. It could be all because amongst all Asians Filipinos share a lot of physical features with Thais. For others it was not an issue. So that was the reason.
However, knowing there was a request for type O blood kept me up all night. Apparently, I am included in the database for blood donors.
I have always been a blood donor. I assumed that I needed to bring out some blood as I felt blood in my system has to be replaced.
I also felt that if I do not give blood, I may suffer some of the things I suffer from today (arthritis, etc.) just like a car there has to be a change of oil for it to run better. And for me to run better I also need a change.
It kept me up all night. I couldn’t sleep as I was thinking of what to do. I made a late text to BB PICAG and they were surprised I replied.
They endorsed me to the mother of the child who happened to be a lawyer and made all the arrangements for me to donate my blood.
In fact she was in City High asking for more donors.
I had a difficult time when I arrived in the hospital early the next day. They passed me up a couple of times. Since I was with Joy she reminded me that it was not the same as before.
I have done the same thing in the past except that I was always given special treatment. Today I am no Juan. I was asked to transfer from floor to floor and had to answer very awkward questions I never want to disclose to any Juan. Anyway I had no choice but to answer the questions and move from one floor to another.
My wife was luckier she was allowed to have coffee, I wasn’t. It was when we were all experiencing the very cold weather. Let us move on. I am asked to do a physical. I ask what for? They say they want to be sure. I say I am healthy, they say everything has to be in order. My wife reminds me that it is always this way.
I am just so irritated that I am the Juan donating for an emergency and still I have to go through all this? I kept my cool. Apparently, the parents disclosed who I was to the nurses and doctors and things became faster.
I did give my blood, the mom and dad in tears. Every Juan could not believe I will answer the call for help.
I slept well the next day, I felt so fulfilled. I was just happy to be of help. I thank God for all that I can do. Not many can, I could.
Seeing the mom and dad after, I felt I had a purpose for not going to Bangkok. I guess that was it.
For some reason we are made to do things we never expect. There is always a reason. We may not expect it but then it comes. I felt so fulfilled with my deed. I have not felt this way for a long time.
When I was in public office I always found the time to do what I did. It was part of my job. I donated P1 million to the Red Cross at one time.
That was then. This was different. I wanted to donate even more, but I was told protocol was for only half a liter. It felt good helping some Juan I did not know.
Try doing one every Juan; surprise yourselves. If I can so can every Juan. When every Juan does one good deed then there will be many smiles especially those in need.
But for this Red Month the Letter is O. Love every Juan; love Juan another.