Sheila Taylor Wells, columnist for the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, recounted a true story in her December 22, 1994 column. She gives the source of the story as Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. Miss Lamott stated that this is the best true story of giving she knows.
An 8-year-old boy, whose younger sister had leukemia, was told that without a blood transfusion, she would die. His parents explained that his blood was probably compatible with hers, and if so, he could be the blood donor. They asked him if they could test his blood.
Sure, he said. So they did, and it was a good match. Then they asked if he would give his sister a pint of blood, that it would be her only chance of living. He said he would have to think about it overnight.
The next day, he went to his parents and said he would donate the blood. So they took him to the hospital where he was put on a gurney beside his little sister. Both were hooked up to IVs. A nurse withdrew a pint of blood from the boy, which was then put in the girl’s IV.
The boy lay on his gurney in silence while the blood dripped into his sister, until the doctor came over to see how he was doing. Then the boy opened his eyes and asked, “How soon until I start to die?”
Sheila Taylor Wells ended her column by saying, “That’s the best story of giving I know, too, and it’s also the best love story I’ve ever heard.”
I must confess that the story immediately brought tears to my eyes as well. That was a generous little boy, and he obviously loved his little sister very much. Also, I found it interesting that Mrs. Wells made the connection between giving and love. When a truly heroic example of giving is seen, invariably the motivation is love.
I have to say, though, that this story is not the greatest example of giving I know. That recognition is reserved for God sending his Son to the world to die. I might would be willing to give myself to save the life of another, but I doubt I would be willing to give one of my children for the same purpose. But God did, and once again, His motivation was love.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Perhaps you got a bit misty eyed when you read the above story of the little boy. That’s understandable. But I would like for you to think back to the last time that the contemplation of what God has given brought tears to your eyes. Are you touched by His great sacrifice?
If so, what will you give in return?
