Did anyone...

What Is a Friend?

A friend is a person of great understanding
Who shares all our hopes and our schemes,
A companion who listens with infinite patience
To all of our plans and dreams.
A true friend can make all our cares melt away
With the touch of a hand or a smile,
And with calm reassurance make everything brighter,
And life always seem more worthwhile.
A friend shares so many bright moments of laughter
At even the tiniest thing -
What memorable hours of light-hearted gladness
And pleasure this sharing can bring!
A friend is a cherished and precious possession
Who knows all our hopes and fears,
And someone to treasure deep down in our hearts
With a closeness that grows through the years.

Tags: Did anyone... swalk1955

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There is a drum that’s beating

Deep within my soul

It calls to me, it is constant,

A beat I don’t control

It speaks to me in rhythm

Like a heartbeat, always there

It guides me and it comforts,

and it tells me what to share

All the wonders that it shows me,

All the blessings that it sends

All the messages it whispers

Like a true and constant friend

When I’m lonely, or I’m frightened,

It reminds me, it’s still there

With its subtle beat it takes me,

from the world, to awesome prayer

There’s a dream that I keep having

In my spirit and my mind

and if I close my eyes and listen,

I hear sounds of other times

Like the steady hammer pounding

driving nails that screamed of pain

or the thunder and the lightening,

and the ever pounding rain

I can hear the wailing women

and the sobs of heartsick men

In the distance, sounds of marching,

then the weeping sounds again

As those sounds begin to grieve me,

other sounds come, with a beat

Like the marching of the soldiers

and the rhythm of their feet

Sounds of awe at something wondrous,

Something there, that should not be

A voice as soft as angel wings

Oh How I wish that I could see!

And the joy in all the voices,

as they praise His Holy Name

I hear crying men and women,

but their cries are not the same

And my dream takes on new meaning,

as the drumming starts again

To the steady, soothing rhythm,

Of my Godly, constant friend

There’s a drum that beats within me,

It’s the Spirit of the Son

Jesus wrote the precious music

The Holy Spirit plays the drum

Tags: There is a drum that’s beating swalk1955

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She was given 24 hours ...
"This is to inform you that today will be your last day ...
Please make every effort to get your affairs in order and take care of all last minute contacts.
" She knew it was coming, but still she was shocked.

"Time seemed to fly by," she thought to herself.
"I had so many great things going.
I don't understand why this should happen now."

But often this happens with no particular explanation, rhyme or reason.

She was angry, confused and saddened by it all.
But after some reflection and a few tears she began gathering her belongings.

Then pulling out her address book, she started with the "A's"
and made her final phone calls.
"I've always enjoyed my conversations with you, Linda. I just wanted to tell you
that I think you have some great talent. Don't waste a moment of time.
Keep working as hard as you do and you'll make it," she told one person.

"You've been my strength, my inspiration through all of these years.
If I haven't told you enough, I hope you know how much I love you and your family,"
she said to another.

In just a few short hours she was able to reach most everyone she wanted to talk to.
She even contacted some of the people on her email list
with whom she had casual contact over the past few years.

On the way home she stopped by her hairdresser to say thanks for the great job she did.
"It took some magic to make me look good," she joked with her.
They hugged, shed a few tears and she continued on.

Arriving at home, she wrote out a few personal note cards
she wanted to leave for the mailman, the mechanic who kept her car is such great shape,
the woman behind the meat counter at the market.
"You always gave me such great service and you have such a beautiful smile,"
she wrote to her.

Before her family arrived, she decided to take a walk around the neighborhood.
Along the way she smiled and greeted everyone with a cheerful, "Great day, isn't it?"

Passing by the park she succumbed to her child-like desires and spent a few minutes
on the swings and sliding board.
Laughing and giggling, she drew the attention of some of the parents.
Seeing the joy on her face, they joined in.

As she continued around the neighborhood she stopped by the local flower shop
and bought all the daisies they had.
Taking this walk full circle she handed a flower to everyone who passed by ...
"Take time to enjoy the beauty of the world. You are so much a part of it!"
she told each one.

Yes, it seemed like this last day might very well be her best day.

She returned home to the comfort and love of her family.
They talked for hours about the wonderful times they shared
 and how grateful they were to her for all she had done for them.

Then in the early morning hours, as she lay in the arms of her loving husband,
surrounded by her children, she breathed her last breath on her last day.

The reality is we never do get that notice.
Few ever have the time to get all of their affairs in order.
We may not have that last chance to tell those we love how much they mean to us.

We don't have the 24 hours to thank the people in our lives,
give encouragement to those who need it,
appreciate the kindness of those who touch our lives daily
or give the gift of hope to perfect strangers.

How wonderful it would be if we could ...

You can, you know ...
Live each day as if it were your last.

Live life in love and on your last day, you'll leave in peace.

There is so much of life to be lived no matter what circumstances surround us.
Understand how and what to change so all of life becomes a celebration.
Learn how to find the good and feel the good in all things ... including yourself.
 Living life to its fullest and having happiness always was never meant to be hidden.
It all awaits our wanting to discover it.

Tags: 24 hours swalk1955

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You’re a breath of fresh air

In my too cluttered life

You waltzed through my world

That was chaos and strife

You smoothed the edges

Of my battered soul

You lifted my spirits

And made me feel whole

What would I do if we were to part

Because you’re a miracle

You unlocked my heart

Tags: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR swalk1955

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Since I’ve given quite a few times now, here are some tips to make your blood donation experience better:

1. Eat a lot before you donate.

Just like you want to eat before you exercise to give you energy, you also need to eat before you donate. If you don’t do this, you might feel lightheaded after you give. I think this is because your brain runs on sugar. (Which is also my excuse why I drink so many soft drinks. *grin*)

If you donate in the morning, then make sure you eat breakfast. At the place I go to to donate blood, there are snacks available, so I usually eat some after I sign in.

2. Drink a lot before you donate.

I drink at least two or three glasses. If you don’t, you’ll actually be OK, but your blood will flow more slowly and then it will take more time to give. Again, at a blood donation center, they’ll usually have bottled water. Also, if you forgot to do tip #1, you can get both in one shot by drinking orange juice, which donation centers usually have as well.

 CAN - Y O U - HELP SAVE LIVES

Blood

Blood is precious. And unfortunately there is not enough of it. As opportunities for successful treatment of cancers, injuries, surgical problems and blood disorders increase, the demand for blood rises.

In Blood Bank, we have always tried to be self-sufficient for our needs. For many years, the Blood Service has maintained a list of over a hundred voluntary blood donors, many of whom have been regularly giving blood. This has worked well, but is no longer sufficient. The sharp increase in services now provided in the new hospital means that demand for blood has grown - last year the hospital used around 800 units of blood, an increase of 33% in three years!

You have always depended upon Blood Banks. We now seek your generosity. The precious gift of blood.

WHY DONATE BLOOD?

A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give to others who are sick or injured in the community.

WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?

If you are fit and healthy and aged 18-60 and weigh more than 50 kilos you are eligible to donate. Regular donors can keep giving blood, right until the age of 70. People aged 17 may donate if considered to have sufficient knowledge and understanding of what is involved to give their informed consent.

WILL I BE ASKED LOTS OF QUESTIONS?

Yes, we will be asking you a number of questions. Our primary concern is that giving blood won’t affect your health in any way. We also make sure that your blood is safe for other people. Current illnesses, even colds could affect your suitability, although usually this is just temporary. Unless there are good reasons, we will not turn people down. And of course all your details will be treated in the strictest confidence.

WILL DONATING BLOOD HURT?

Not more than having a blood test. You may feel a slight sting in the beginning lasting only a couple of seconds, but there should be no discomfort during the donation.

IS GIVING BLOOD SAFE?

Yes. Remember we will only accept you if you are fit and well. All the materials used, the needle, the blood bag used to collect blood, etc come in a sealed pack, are designed for single use and cannot be reused. We only take donations in the clean environment of the hospital, so the process is made as safe as possible.

HOW MUCH BLOOD WILL BE TAKEN?

The volume taken is approximately 450 ml. To give you an idea, this is less than 10 % of your total blood and your body replaces the lost fluid within 36 hours.

HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE?

Up to Three times a year, which means a minimum of 16 weeks between donations.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND?

Please do. The more the merrier!

WHAT IF I TAKE MEDICATION?

You must tell us if you take any kind of medication - medicines, pills, injections, anything. Some of these may affect your blood and mean we may have to postpone the donation for now.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE AND AFTER GIVING BLOOD?

Drinks plenty of liquids before and after you donate- but not the alcoholic variety please! Eat your regular meals too.

CAN I GO BACK TO WORK ON THE SAME DAY?

Regrettably the answer is yes! However it would be unwise to give blood before undertaking physically demanding or hazardous activity either in a job or a hobby.

ARE BLOOD DONORS PAID?

No. We will not buy blood, as a matter of strict policy. Research shows that blood given voluntarily and freely tends to be least likely to have transfusion transmissible infections. Voluntary donors are also more likely to be honest in supplying information that could lead to the donation not being accepted.

 On average, the donation takes only about 10 minutes while the entire procedure lasts less than 60 minutes, from registration to resting time. The time you spend may mean life or death to those in need, so it is time well spent!

You can help save lives too 

How come on hearing the word "Blood" people make funny faces and think you are weird to talk about something so gross...I mean isn't like it’s something taboo. Because we have litres of the stuff in our body’s. Then why do people shirk to donate or willingly give it??? Is it fear or just apathy as to why should one donate?

There is never an equal supply to meet the growing demand for blood that our society needs. So what are these barriers?? Is it just public perception or the scare of seeing the needle & one's own blood? These are all major factors no doubt...but don't tell me that all of us suffer from this dilemma. Ironically, not half..Not quarter..But much less than that are the number of people who donate to replenish this shortage. There are loads of misconceptions etc. which need to be cleared up for people to be more susceptible to blood donation.

Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and just one pint can save up to three lives. You can donate blood every 56 days.

 REASONS TO DONATE BLOOD
Blood transfusions save lives.
There's no substitute for human blood.
Every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion.
About 60 percent of the population are eligible to donate blood, yet less than five percent do.
A pint of blood, separated in to components, can help up to three people.
You'll make your community a safer place.
Fulfills your desire to "give back" to the community.
You'll receive a mini physical (blood pressure, temperature, iron level).
You'll learn your blood type.
It's safe, simple and it saves lives.
On average, the donation takes only about 10 minutes while the entire procedure lasts less than 60 minutes, from registration to resting time. The time you spend may mean life or death to those in need, so it is time well spent!
You can help save lives too
Want to know what the top 10 uses of blood are?

1 Straight in is General Surgery with a whopping 23%.
2 We have General Medical with 15%.
3 Cardiothoracic (that's heart and chest surgery to you and me) with 13%.
4 A figure of 11% puts Orthopaedics here - that's anything to do with bones and bone diseases.
5 Haematology (blood diseases) with 9%.
6 Accident & Emergency (what you see on "Casualty" every week) with 8%.
7 Joint No. 7 is Renal or anything to do with the kidneys with 6%, along with Neonatal & Paediatrics, which is the treatment of newborns and children.
8 Intensive Care with 4%.
9 Obstetrics & Gynaecology (anything to do with pregnancy and childbirth) weighing in with 3.5%

 (People who give blood are united by their generosity and the desire to give something back to the community., consider giving the gift of life by donating blood.
GIVE BLOOD .. SAVE A LIFE.. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE)..
I LOVED the experience:), even though I felt a little bit tired afterward. And I encourage you ALL to do it, not just because it is good for your health, but also to express your good intention to help people and rescue their lives… If you, or one of your loved ones, have ever needed blood, you already know how important it is.
Many people today would not be alive if it wasn't for generous and voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give blood to help those in need.
It's one of those things that we just expect to be there for us, but only a very small proportion of people (one in 30) actually give blood. Yet sooner or later, one in three of us will need it.

Help Now 
Give Blood – Your Donation Can Save 3 Lives
Remember, there is no substitute for blood.  Blood cannot be manufactured.
A continuous supply of blood is needed at all times throughout the year.  It is in constant demand for treatment of injuries, cancer, hemophilia, and for use during surgery.
To give blood, you must:
• be in good health
• be at least 17 years old
• weigh at least 110 pounds
Being in good health means feeling well and being able to perform normal activities.  For people with a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, being in good health also means that they are receiving treatment and the condition is under control.
Healthy individuals over 75 must have written permission from their physician dated within two weeks of their donation.
People can safely give red blood cell donations up to five times a year, or once every 56 days.  Double red cell donations can be made once every 112 days.
What’s it Like to Donate?  Here Are the Four Steps to Donating Blood.
1. Registration – Provide your name and identification and complete the forms or questionnaires provided at the reception table.
2. Confidential Health Screening – Donors go through a screening process to assure they are healthy and eligible to donate.  This entails a brief exam to take your health history, temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count conducted by a certified healthcare professional.
3. The Blood Donation – It takes 5-10 minutes.
4. Refreshments – Rest and enjoy cookies, fruit and juice to replenish the sugar and fluids in your body.
The entire process from registration to refreshments takes about an hour.  It is safe and easy.  It’s one of the most important things you can do in the course of a normal day.

Tags: BLOOD DONOR WANTED swalk1955

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 Every so often, the desperate need for organ donors is highlighted in the national press and this difficult subject is brought to the nation's attention. Once again, it is a very personal decision, but certainly one you should discuss with your immediate family, and at least make your views known.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) was established as a Special Health Authority in England and Wales in October 2005 with responsibilities across the United Kingdom in relation to organ transplantation.  Its remit is to provide a reliable, efficient supply of blood, organs and associated services to the NHS.

There are currently just over 14 million registered organ donors in the UK (23% of the population) who have said they want to help others live after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.   UK Transplant has unveiled plans to increase organ transplant numbers to new levels as part of the NHSBT's strategy. 

The generosity of donors and their families enables nearly 3,000 people inthe UK every year to take on a new lease of life.  It is now possible to use all the major organs (heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, pancreas and small bowel) in transplantation and so one donor is able to help many other people.

Cornea transplantation is one of medicine's big success stories and is one of the most commonly performed transplant operations with a very good  success rate, helping more than 2,000 blind and partially-sighted people.  However, the shortage of donated corneas means that many more people could be given the opportunity to see again if there were more donors.

• If the death happened in hospital, staff may ask for permission to use organs for transplantation. Many people find such an approach difficult in the early stages of bereavement but organs have to be removed very soon after death.
  
• Other organs such as corneas and heart valves can be removed anything up to 72 hours after death.
  
• If death occurs at home or somewhere other than a hospital, organs other than the corneas cannot usually be used
  
• Organs will not be removed without the consent of the relatives, which is why it is worthwhile making your wishes known beforehand. This also helps save relatives from the distress of making a decision without the relevant information.

White sheet neatly tucked under four corners of a

You do all I have asked, I will live forever - SWALK1955

Help us spread the word

More than 16.1 million people have already joined the NHS Organ Donor Register. It’s a magnificent number. But we know that millions more support organ donation yet haven’t got round to signing up. If they did sign up, then many more lives could be saved.

This is where our campaigning work comes in.

We campaign to:

• raise awareness about the success of transplantation and the urgent need for more organ donors
• make it easier for people to find out more and join the NHS Organ Donor Register
• encourage people to talk about their wishes with their family and friends.

You too can help

Whether you’re an individual, a business or a charity, there are lots of different ways in which you can get involved. We can offer you free leaflets, posters and other resources and give you useful tips to make your campaign a success.

So what about it? Will you help us?

Organ donation: the gift of life

Already carry a card?

Carrying the card is a great start, but to be a registered organ donor you need to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Today more than 9,000 people in the UK need an organ transplant that could save or dramatically improve their life. Most are waiting for a kidney, others for a heart, lung or liver transplant. But less than 3,000 transplants are carried out each year.

Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this life-saving gift to others.

Desperate need for more donors

There is a desperate need for more donors. Last year more than 400 people died while waiting for a transplant. One in ten people waiting for a heart transplant will die and many others will lose their lives before they even get on to the waiting list.

The more people who pledge to donate their organs after their death, the more people stand to benefit. By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help make sure life goes on.

Statistics

Transplants save lives

Comprehensive data for the period 2007-2008 is available in the PDF report Transplant Activity 2007-2008.

All statistics we produce and publish undergo a vigorous validation process to ensure, as far as possible, that information is factually accurate

ORGAN DONATION: PUBLIC AWARENESS IS KEY TO SUCCESS
Members of the public are invited to take part in a first online survey to test people's wishes in joining the NHS Organ Donor Register. Have your say via: UK Transplant Survey

This survey is at the request of the Special Health Authority NHS Blood and Transplant, NHSBT.

Friends of BODY.
You may be a organ and tissue donor in the future but you can help immediately by assisting BODY to enable people to make informed and voluntary choices regarding organ and tissue donation.
Please select Friends
 

Tags: Organ Donation Life Givers swalk1955

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 There is someone thinking about you today. There was someone thinking about me. Off and on, during the course of their day, they sat down, or stood and passed a thought of you. That same someone smiled. They thought about how unique you are; how special; how different. Although they may not say it, you have made an impact NO ONE ever has.

Tags: Thinking of you.. swalk1955

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I have a list of folks I know...
all written in a book,
And every now and then...
I go and take a look.
That is when I realize
these names...they are a part,
not of the book they're written in...
but taken from the heart.
For each Name stands for someone...
who has crossed my path sometime,
and in that meeting they have become...
the reason and the rhyme
Although it sounds fantastic...
for me to make this claim,
I really am composed...
of each remembered name.
Although you're not aware...
of any special link,
just knowing you, has shaped my life...
more than you could think.
So please don't think my greeting...
as just a mere routine,
your name was not...
forgotten in between.
For when I send a greeting...
that is addressed to you,
it is because you're on the list...
of folks I'm indebted to.
So whether I have known you...
for many days or few,
in some ways you have a part...
in shaping things I do.
I am but a total...
of many folks I've met,
you are a friend I would prefer...
never to forget.
Thank you for being my friend!

Tags: Written in a book..swalk1955

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A friends is a person who goes around saying nice things about you behind your back.
A friend is someone who chooses you - out of a whole world of people.
A friend is someone who does things that count, but never stops to count them.
A friend is someone who knows all about you but loves you anyway.
A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.
A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you today.
A friend is someone you can do nothing with...and really enjoy it.
Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years.
Even though we're far apart, you're always in my heart.
Friends are our chosen family.
Friends are the best collectibles!
Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookie of life.
Friends fill your life with joy, your soul with sunshine, and your heart with love.
Friends forever, right from the start-caring and sharing, from the heart.
Friends listen with the heart.
Friends make happiness happen.
Friends pick you up when the world lets you down.
Friendship is a gift with strings attached-heartstrings!
Friendship is a rainbow between two people.
I've had many friends with whom I've shared my time, but very few with whom I've shared my heart.
Many joys come and go but friendship is forever.
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
Of all the gems on this earth, friends are the most precious.
Old friends are the best antiques.
Real friends listen with their hearts.
There's enough warmth in a friend's hug to warm up the coldest day.
Time may pass and we may part - but true friends stay close at heart!
When you're too busy for friends...you're TOO busy!

Tags: Friends swalk1955

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