Kelly Konrad

It has been scary reading the headlines on the news every day with shootings going on everywhere, and I’m sure we all agree that it is all getting out of hand. There’s a lot going on besides shootings, but for this blog, the shooting today in Maine hit close to home because it is where I grew up, and most of my family, and many of my loved ones live there.

Just last year, husband and I came to Maine for Christmas vacation, and it was fun reconnecting with everyone, and getting rooted back into my childhood. Maine is precious to me, and dear to my heart.

When I first heard about the shooting with a frantic text from my mother, it jolted me out of bed. I got ready for the day, and then I started reading more details about what happened.

Right now, I am going through fertility testing, and I’m learning some interesting things as I await all the results. The most interesting bit of information I learned about was my blood type. I learned that my blood type was O+, and my immediate reaction was a pressing desire and conviction to be a donor. I downloaded the Red Cross app on my phone, and made my very first appointment for early November.

When I was a teenager, my mother would often tell me to look for the angels in any situation, especially any scary event in the news, those who were a part of the solution. When it came to the shooting at Virginia Tech, we saw angels in the community, such as police officers, friends and families, medical professionals, and everyone who came to the aid of those who needed it the most.

If you are one of these ‘angels’ in any of these scary events in the news, I do thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I admire you!

Not only did I learn to look for the angels, I learned that anyone can be an angel. There are many ways to be that angel, like financial donations, thoughts and prayers, acts of love and kindness, donating blood, donating organs, etc.

When I learned my blood type was O+, a universal type, I felt God compelling me to get off my butt, and donate blood. Blood is needed, and there is a shortage.

Never ever think that anything you have to give is too small or insignificant. Even a smile creates a ripple effect and goes a long way! Anyone and everyone can be an angel!