Little things in life that matter to me

There are gestures, commitments, and promises that hold far greater value to me than any form of monetary assistance. A few moments spent with me during my time of need, checking up on me, or simply taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to call—all these acts show that you genuinely care about me.

In the fast-paced and busy world we live in, it’s understandable that everyone has their own demanding schedules, making it incredibly challenging to check in on one another consistently.

Even among close family members, it often becomes difficult to visit each other's homes regularly to see how the other is doing. The reality is that everyone has their own responsibilities and commitments, and sometimes even the hosts may not want someone to stay over for too long because they, too, are juggling multiple obligations.

Yet, even in such times, I firmly believe there are still people who genuinely care about you. These individuals are not easy to find, but they do exist. It’s essential to recognize and cherish them.

They are the ones who make the effort to reach out, who take the time to be there for you, not out of obligation but out of sincere care. I suggest that you identify these people in your life, filter them out from the rest, and keep them close to you. These are the relationships that truly matter and are worth holding onto.

My dad is already in the hospital, and his surgery is scheduled for 8 a.m. tomorrow morning. Since this is a major operation, we needed a significant amount of blood, including PCV (packed cell volume), FFP (fresh frozen plasma), and platelets. Additionally, we must have at least a couple of donors on standby for any emergency situations that may arise during the surgery.

To arrange for the necessary blood donations, I had to reach out to my friends and provide them with the laboratory's location and the designated timing for the blood donation. This is where my friends truly stepped up to support me. We required a minimum of eight donors, and given the nature of the surgery, it's crucial to have a couple of donors on standby throughout the procedure. During this critical time, we cannot afford to rely on just anyone, so my brother and I have decided to fulfill that responsibility ourselves, ensuring that everything goes smoothly.

Before I continue with more details, let me explain these medical terms so you can better understand the context of what we're dealing with.

Packed Cell Volume

Packed Cell Volume (PCV), also known as hematocrit, is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. Imagine taking a small sample of blood and spinning it in a machine called a centrifuge. This process separates the blood into different layers. The red blood cells settle at the bottom because they are heavier, while the plasma (the liquid part of blood) stays on top. PCV is the percentage of the blood volume made up by these red blood cells. It’s important because red blood cells carry oxygen, and it is very important for major surgeries.

Fresh Frozen Plasma

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is a component of blood that is made by separating and freezing the liquid part of blood soon after donation. Plasma is the yellowish liquid that carries blood cells, nutrients, hormones, and proteins throughout the body. FFP is rich in clotting factors, which are proteins that help stop bleeding. Doctors use FFP in medical situations where a person has severe bleeding, a blood clotting disorder, or needs surgery. It helps replace missing or low levels of clotting factors to control bleeding and support proper blood clotting.

Platelets

Platelets are tiny, colorless cells in your blood that play a crucial role in helping your body stop bleeding. Imagine them as little “band-aids” that rush to the site of an injury. When you cut yourself, platelets quickly gather at the wound to form a clot, preventing too much blood from escaping. They stick together and create a protective barrier. Without enough platelets, you could bleed excessively, even from minor injuries, because your blood wouldn’t be able to clot properly.

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They arrived at the laboratory at 9:30 a.m., even before I got there. All of them came together, like a close-knit group, ready to help. Seeing them like that made me feel both proud and happy. It was heartwarming to see my friends rally around me during such a stressful time. After speaking with the phlebotomist and taking care of the necessary technicalities and paperwork, I started calling my friends one by one for blood sampling and screening.

Since my father’s blood type is B+, we prioritized finding donors with the same blood type to ensure compatibility. Out of the nine friends who showed up, four turned out to have B+ blood, which was a great relief.

The sampling and screening process took longer than expected, stretching out to more than an hour. However, my friends remained patient and cooperative throughout the entire time, understanding the importance of their contribution.

I am trying to stay as strong as possible. The scene still is running through my mind where all my friends without giving a second thought selflessly came at one call and started donating their blood without any questions. It might seem like a small thing to some people but for me it held a huge significance. The donors were:

Donor #1

Donor #2

Donor #3

Donor #4

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After the blood donation, I made sure to offer post-donation refreshments to all my friends to help them replenish their energy. I provided them with a selection of juices and biscuits to ensure they could restore their blood sugar levels and stay hydrated.

Pre Surgery Protocols

At home, we have been careful to ensure that Dad's diet does not include anything containing oil, sugar, or salt. We have strictly followed these dietary restrictions to keep him in the best possible condition for surgery. Today, we prepared him by shaving the areas of his body from where the blood vessels will be taken, which include his arm, leg, and chest.

Since 10 p.m., he has been placed on NPO status, meaning he cannot consume any food or drink until his surgery at 8 a.m. tomorrow. I cannot help but feel incredibly anxious and vulnerable at this moment. I sincerely ask you all to pray for a successful and smooth procedure. Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to us as we go through this difficult time

_W3W