I have been thinking a lot over the past few days, trying to make sense of my feelings. Sometimes I get so frustrated with people who don't realise how lucky they are. When I hear people quibbling about their dead-end jobs, or being tired, or even their child's grades at school I just want to scream SHUT UP! JUST GET OVER IT! Believe it or not, there are more important things in life than whether little Bobby gets a C or a B in his Maths class. There are things that are a little more fundamental than whether you get that promotion you wanted or not. This inability of most people to cherish what they have drives me mad.
So, to anyone reading this, think before you grumble. Think about how lucky you are, and how many positive things there are in your life. Megumi and I consider ourselves, believe it or not, to be very fortunate. We have our love for each other. We are, in general, healthy. We have great families and friends. And we had the wonderful experience of loving, and being loved by, Rosie.
On the other hand, what we are going through also makes us more understanding of other people's problems. We realize that, when you are going through hard times, it is difficult to think about anything outside of your own small world. We are also more sensitive to the genuine suffering of others. Every time there is a report about more killing in Iraq, I listen more intently than I used to, and say a short prayer for the victims and their families. In Japan, there have been many victims of natural disasters in the past few weeks, and we also feel for their families and friends.
I am sure that we will make more effort to help people in need in any way we can in the future. Rosie wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
P.S. I STILL haven't given blood. I'm a hypocrite. I do have a good excuse, but I can't keep using it forever, so promise to give blood by the end of this year. How about you...?
Lived in the UK for more than 6 months, so cannot donate blood. In Germany anyway. I think in Japan neither.
Posted by: Dirk at November 1, 2004 12:17 PMNot sure, Dirk, but I thought they changed the rules. I will go and find out, and let you know.
MOOOOOO
True comments G, but what is that about the blood thing. I never lived in the UK but it does not even matter if it was consecutive 6 months, like 3 two month trips. I saw that when I was giving blood over here.
Posted by: Paul at November 1, 2004 02:35 PMSo British blood is not wanted in the US either then?
Oh what happened to my Aryan juices!?! :)
Posted by: Dirk at November 1, 2004 05:50 PMWhat is the good excuse Gary? Whatever it is, try and sort it out soon. I was always a little bit girlie about it, merrily waving my colleagues off every 3 months, steadfastly saying "I just can't". Over the course of two pregnancies, my fear abated and when Aidan received blood transfusions as a teeny tiny boy, I knew I had to do it. And a very nice feeling it is too! It takes a little while, is painless and makes me feel very good about myself.
'Do something good today. Give Blood'
So how many of your know your blood type? Only reason I know mine is because we did a blood test in one of my high school science classes.. (I'm 'O' btw.. the "warrior"..) Type O seems to be one that is always in high demand in Japan but I've never given up any of my blood willingly. Though, in retrospect.. Since I do have one of the more rare types, I suppose it would be in my best interest to donate in case I lose a finger or something and need a bit of the life juice myself. OK Gary.. If you are planning to go down to Shinjuku to do this, let me know and we'll do good deeds together.
Posted by: Rob at November 2, 2004 01:08 PMHi!Nice to meet you.I send my comment for the first time,but I always having fun to read your blog.
I completely agree with you.There are more important things than the trivial things people are worried about.But they,including me,don't realise that.They forget important things and they are eager for the things they don't have.Of course,me too.But that is a feature of human,I think...
I once donated my blood.In my high school,mobile blood bank comes to my school when we give our school festival.In that time,I had just read a book written by a mother who lost her daughter by leukemia.So I think I want help them in some forms.I want to donate my bone marrow some day,but I don't have a courage to do it...maybe I'm a hypocrite,too.
Posted by: Mai at November 2, 2004 03:31 PM I am Japanese and I hear that the blood type A is the most popular in Japan.My blood type is A,too.
I have never donated my blood yet since I don't like injections. But I feel very sorry for those who need blood immediately. So, I think I should try as soon as possible. However, I'm afraid I cannot since I am taking a lot of medicines right now. Maybe it will take rather long time to stop the medicines which help me live my daily life.
But I should think that I am very lucky to be here everyday.
I would like to donate my blood in the future.
I am very interested in your blog and sympathized with your blog. In fact,I've thought how happy we are. Although I am not rich, I am healthy and have many good friends. So,even if I will have serious problems, I will be able to solve the problem.
By the way, a big earthquake happened in Niigata.
So,many people have to live in asylum. I feel they are very sorry and I would like to cheer up and help them. In Niigata, after the earthquake, they had heavy rain. For that reason, landslide ocurred.
So, I afresh feel I am so happy and have the duty to share the hapiness with them, in other words, to help them. So, I decided to raise the money for them. Finally, I hope they will be able to return their usual life soon.
Thanks for your comments ladies. I'm honoured to have visitors from Todai! And yes Yuya, I have been following the news about Niigata. It is very sad, and I think many people there will need our help this winter as well.
Posted by: Gary at November 2, 2004 04:34 PMSo Gaz, what's the score with this not being able to donate blood? Is there a time limit on the thing, or are you buggered if you have ever lived in the UK?
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Posted by: Johny at June 27, 2008 05:34 AM