Hello...I'm writing from Kauai. I'm very priveleged to be here for a an extra day and a half. For one thing, Ben and I performed for a Hawaii Blood Bank donor luncheon. About 80 people attended who have given blood over 56 times in their lives. I didn't know this, but just one pint of blood can save or contribute to 3 people. The blood gets broken up into three componets-plasma, red blood cells, and platelets. That means, by contributing 56 pints of blood, 168 people were possibly given a chance to live. It was very inspiring to me. Tony Ching gave a testimony as well as a kid named Michael Basillio who isn't supposed to be alive due to a heart condition. He was only supposed to live until he was 9 years old. He's 21 now.
Anyway, they asked me to sing "Thank You For You." I'm so glad my music is being used to touch lives and inspire others. That truly means more to me than any amount of CD sales or publicity.
I've given blood donation some thought in the past. After today, I will be making an appointment to donate blood. I'll admit, it's a little scary, but the thought of saving 3 people's lives or making their days a little better takes that fear away.
Posted by maila at January 16, 2004 3:49 PMYou're donating blood?? girl, I give you a lotta props for doing that!
Posted by: kat at January 16, 2004 7:15 PMWow. Now I'm feeling the guilt, which is being CONVERTED to inspiration. I've given blood exactly twice in my life even though my type (O) is usable for other types. Now that I've got more time, I think I'll hit the blood bank on Dillingham and make up for lost time. Thanks Maila!
Posted by: Pupule_Paul at January 17, 2004 12:57 AMMaila, You're such an inspiration!!!! You're so positive and appreciative, it's really refreshing. You could be spending time with your family on Kauai, but you're taking the time to show you're appreciation and keep us posted, we really appreciate that!! I'm gonna make it a point to donate blood this year, I have also been thinking about it. I used to be too thin, but those days are over :-) Thanks for the inspiration, and Thank You For You!!!!
Posted by: Aimz at January 17, 2004 2:31 AMSee...you are the best! :p I just came back from a retreat and i shared and talked about your music, cool huh?
Posted by: Abigail at January 18, 2004 2:14 PMHi Maila, I am a dear friend of Ben's and used to play with him in a
band. My wife recently finished a music cd and I would like to send Ben
one. HIs last email address I have is no longer valid. Can you give
him this information for me? Mahalo
Ray Van Broekhuizen (katjoeng)
2600 Kennedy Dr. Corona, Ca 92879
tel 909 371-0327 cell 909 256-0394
email: scatteredmusic@sbcglobal.net
Hey Maila! Donating to a great cause makes everyone feel great. Giving blood is easy, safe and takes so little of your time. I've given once. I've tried several other times but if you have a cough or just a slight temperature they won't accept your blood. hehehe. I'm glad this is encouraging more people to give of themselves. It's a great feeling!
Posted by: Jenn at January 21, 2004 3:30 PMHey Maila! I loved reading this post. I've given blood before, i feel better afterwards knowing that it is going to a few people(although physically, i feel tired) it wasn't that bad donating, in terms of pain. I love "Thank You For You", beautiful song. Abigail introduced me to your music and just fell in love with every song. Hope you are well. Malama Pono!
Posted by: Joanna at January 24, 2004 10:47 AMHey Mai, I wanted to see you sing last night but the person I was supposed to go with didn't call =( but maybe i'll see you sing in the future. I miss seeing you perform. take care.
Posted by: Jane at January 24, 2004 4:33 PM