Blood

So, I donated blood a few weeks ago. During the interview, the nurse guy told me that this would be my 22nd donation. Two more would put me at 3 gallons - a big milestone, he said. My thought was along the lines of, "Yeah, so?" This evening, I wondered why I donate blood. It's not for the snacks. It's not for the break from work. It's not for the prizes (ice cream, movie tix, etc...). Sadly, it's also not for the people in need, I think. So, why do I donate? I have no idea. I can only think of 3 reasons, none of which is all that great in my mind. One - I would be letting somebody down when I could easily prevent it (weird - do I feel guilty about something???). Two - I compete against myself to see how quickly I can fill the bag (I really do). Three - it's the right thing to do. This, I think, is the reason I do it. So, then, what makes it the right thing??? I guess the fact that it's helping people makes it the right thing to do. So, perhaps, then, in an indirect way, I do it for others. Hmm - now it doesn't seem so odd to donate. Maybe I'll re-post after 3 gallons (~April or so).