In the Name of LOVE

When you're doing something tough, it doesn't seem so bad when you realize you're doing it because you love someone.

Today, I loved my future child.  I gave my blood, sweat, and more to fulfill another piece of the adoption process:  the physical and the tests that go with it.  I didn't faint like I nearly did in China when they took my blood so we could live there long-term.  That blood test was love for my husband.

Here's an excerpt from an email I wrote to my parents from China on September 20, 2003...

"Having our blood taken was not so fun, at all, not really a bit.  I have a great anxiety issue with needles, and even more so in a foreign country where I can't understand what they are saying, and things are a little less sterile than I'm used to (the blood lady was using an old Pringles container to store some empty vials).  As we waited in line to put our arm through a bank teller window to have our blood drawn, I began to feel a little weak.  They use a super small needle and I didn't feel it at all.  No band-aid, just a Q-tip on a wooden stick.  So I thought I was fine.  As we started to leave the crowded, little room I started seeing black spots, became very cold, nauseous, and felt I would soon pass out.  And I remember fighting it so hard because I was afraid of what they would do with me if I did pass out.  We had to go to another room for paper work stuff and I sat down, became very hot, and was ready to give up my lunch.  I never passed out or vomited, and I began to feel better during the taxi ride home.  When we got home I was so emotionally drained that I napped.  Paul was fine.  He is much tougher.  I told him I hope he realizes how much I love him, because I wouldn't go through a foreign medical exam for just anybody.  I wasn't sure if Peter (7 months old at the time) would have to be examined too and I was relieved that he didn't."

I'm such a wimp, I know.  But living in China with an infant was emotional and stressful for me.  Add in an unsterile needle situation and I'm a gonner.  Paul reminded me of this lovely story today as I had a needle in my arm.  He was trying to be helpful, he said, distracting me.  But really let's talk about our honeymoon in Encinitas or having breakfast overlooking the Bosporus or taking ballroom dance lessons.  Let's not talk about other queasy times in the midst of a queasy time.  Sweet man.

Have you loved someone recently?  Did it make you faint?  Was it easier to get through because of the love?  Leave a comment and inspire us with your love story.  There's a little comment button right below this.