Finally, I didn't worry my child might need a blood transfusion!

by Gill 5 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Gill

  One of my children went on a school trip this week and for the first time ever, I didn't panic and worry about what 'might' happen!

  I had always, as a good little JW, and even as a faded JW filled in the medical form that needed filling with every trip, the way I had been instructed by the Elders. When you get to the part that gives permission for emergency treatment, surgery, or (heaven forbid) blood transfusions, you cross out the 'blood transfusion' sign at both ends of the line, then explain what alternative treatments you would accept for your child.

  This time, I just signed the form as every other parent had and KNEW, that should an accident happen, my child would probably stand as good a chance as surviving it as any other child on that trip!

  So many years of fear, of what 'may' happen, that if my child would be given blood I would be jeopardising our 'eternal life'. Finally, I see it for what it is...total lies and nonsense.

  She had a wonderful trip. I had a wonderful, worry free day knowing she was having a good time and if anything happened she would probably survive. All those other trips my kids had taken had left me fraught with worry as I know was the case with other JW parents.

  Nothing is guaranteed in life, but why make life more complicated than it already is?
• 

  luna2

  I remember the feeling very, very well, Gill. As a parent you can't help worrying anyway, and add the extra stress that doctors wouldn't be able to do everything in their power to help your child due to your own directives, used to knot me up inside too.
• 

  Netty

  I know what you mean Gill. I never had kids as a dub. But still, now as I go to sign my kid up for baseball or whatever, when I get to the medical release part, I think about how if I was still a JW, I would have to do the whole no-blood thing. Feels good dont it? Just to sign the form, YES of course, administer any and all treatment available, DUH!!!, and not to have to worry about the blood stuff. Good for you Gill.
• 

  Gill

  Hi Netty, luna2,! I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that kind of relief.

  It also feels like I am making my own decisions, which I am, that I accept the risks, after all what's risk free, and I want all and everything done, because that's the right thing to do.

  I take it that we as a family are more or less free from the Watchtower clutches now and having been in the position of risking my own life on three occassions refusing blood due to haemorraging from surgery and then suffering the consequences of weakness and illness for months afterwards, I know that taking the small risk of blood to save a life is essential.
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  mtbatoon

  I missed trips just so I didn't have to hand in the release form. I found anything that pointed me out as different very embarrassing. Also as a kid I could never understand how my parents would let me die for the sake of blood freely donated. So be happy for you children too.
• 

  Gill

  Hi mtbatoon - I understand how you felt as a child, completely. I was always ashamed of my JW name tag, and because of indoctrination, ashamed of being ashamed.

  I hope that this is one unnecessary burden that we've removed from our children's shoulders.

  It is terrible to feel that you are no part of society and no part of the world.

  Filling in the release form was liberating and I felt I was doing something right for a change instead of something stupid.