1. Story I re-read this week…
Here is a story that I believe I first read years ago in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. It popped into my head this week, so I looked it up and re-read it.
Doctor Jim Clark was fighting for his patient’s life. Little Liz had a rare disease and urgently needed a blood transfusion in order to survive.
The only hope for the five-year-old was to receive a blood donation from her twin brother – not only because the siblings had the same blood type, but also because he himself had survived the condition that she suffered from. His blood, therefore, contained an antibody that could save Liz’s life.
When Dr. Jim asked the boy if he would agree to give blood for his sister, the youngster was initially hesitant. But when the physician explained to him that it was the only way to save his sister’s life, he agreed.
The boy’s parents took him to the hospital where he was put on a gurney beside his twin. Both of them were hooked up to IV’s. The transfusion proceeded as the boy’s blood left his body and entered his sister’s.
As the two siblings lay next to each other during the treatment, the doctor was relieved as he saw color return to Liz’s face. But when the procedure was finished, the plucky young boy suddenly became very serious and asked the doctor, “How soon until I start to die?”
The little boy had thought that with his blood donation, he would be literally giving his life to save his sister’s. While the doctor reassured him immediately that he wasn’t going to die, those in the room were stunned at the immensity of the boy’s willingness. He was ready to give his life for another.
I’m pretty sure the story is made up, but who cares. It exudes courage, selflessness, and love. Stories like this, even if made up, make you think, reflect, and are inspirational.
2. Photo that made me laugh out loud…
I think this pic has been around for a while, but I saw it for the first time this week, and it made me laugh out loud. Funny thing is… I laughed out loud at least a few more times during the day when I thought about it. I hope you find it as funny as I did…
3. COVID-19 stats concern…
Last Monday, the CDC changed its COVID-19 testing guidelines. According to an article from Business Insider, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly modified its testing guidelines on Monday, and no longer recommends people who are asymptomatic to get tested for the virus.” Being that the death rate is the most important number to watch, it is critical that we know how many people have been infected with the virus so we can use that number to get an accurate death rate. The CDC has stated that 40% of coronaviruses are asymptomatic. Without including asymptomatic people, the death rate will look much worse than it actually is, thus making this pandemic appear much worse than it is. Many scientists and health care experts agree that the CDC’s change in guidelines is a terrible idea and makes no sense. According to an article on the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy’s website, “The change, made without any rationale or explanation, further erodes the scientific community’s confidence in the CDC.” I’m most interested in the death rate, and the death rate will look far worse than it actually is if we do not know or count ALL cases.
