Today I thanked someone for sticking a needle in my arm and draining a vial of blood from a vein.
Because of a couple of autoimmune issues, I have to endure periodic medical procedures that range from innocuous to downright torturous. On this occasion, I had to relinquish a small amount of bodily fluids to make sure all my varied and sundry medications are doing what they are supposed to do.
Whenever I am blessed with phlebotomists who are exceptionally talented in performing blood-letting, I offer them my heartfelt thanks.
On a daily basis, it’s a job where the technicians must inflict pain (albeit mild, if done correctly) and can trigger panic, anxiety, fear and occasionally fainting. By default, it must be a thankless job.
That’s why, when I’m attended to with minimal pain and worry, I make it a point to say, “thank you.”
At today’s vein drain, I barely felt the needle point slide into my arm. There was no pain and procedure was over in seconds. The tourniquet was more uncomfortable than the pin prick. How could I not be grateful? Her surprised expression and smile told me she didn’t get that sort of response very often.
When I was very young, I remember going to Woolworth’s lunch counter with my grandmother for chocolate malts. On one of our trips, when the waitress sat my frosty glass in front of me, I told her, “thank you.” I thought she was going to cry, but she said, “you are the only person who has said that to me today.” That stayed with me.
Sometimes I worry that I say, “thank you,” too much, and it loses its intent, but I try to pass on my thanks to anyone who helps me in some way. It’s a little thing, but people on the receiving end of our gratitude need to know what they do matters.
Thin spiral notebook 
I am one to suffer a bit of anxiety over shots and blood draws, so I can relate to being thankful for an uneventful experience.
I don’t think you can say thank you enough. I found myself overwhelmed by the manners of the trick-or-treaters who came to my door this year. I don’t think there was one child who didn’t thank me enthusiastically. It was extremely refreshing, especially for one who has become somewhat cynical about peoplel.
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I think thank you in this way is what it was meant to be all along and all the time.
Thank you for letting me read it and thank you for being who you are.
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This is where our souls are similar, because I say Thank You and I’m Sorry all the time but I don’t think you can say it enough. Not in this world, not in this time period , where so much is expected without one. How can you ask someone to do your nails, bring your food, even give you your flu shot (last night, got mine) and my mammogram (last week) I said THANK YOU…thank you for choosing to do your job so that my health, my belly , my day is satisfied.
what is that quote? “If the only prayer you ever say is “Thank you”, it will be enough”. I try to live my life like that quote.
(Glad you’re okay too!)
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I love that quote too. If I take my life as a whole, and not dwell on a bump here, a disappointment there… I’m very fortunate. I should be thankful, and tell people who make my life that much easier how much I appreciate it.
Thank you, Kir… you’ve been such a supportive and positive friend.
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It’s impossible not to be a support to the LIGHT you are to me. THANK YOU for that, for your words and lessons and beautiful pictures. They truly fill up more than my email, they fill up my life.
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I expressed my thankfulness the last time I had blood drawn. Some go from arm to arm, trying. Occasionally, I get someone who gets it on the first stick. That truly makes my day.
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Lovely piece on the use of manners and gratitude. Thank you most heartily for the reminder.
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I believe in Thank Yous, as well. And I appreciate when I receive them.
Earlier, my husband was talking to me and I was reading a blog and not quite paying attention….he said “I love you” and I said “You’re welcome”. Ooops…..
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Hmmm… that could still work.
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I read this as I await the arrival of the phlebotomist who calls regularly at home! You’ve inspired me to thank her!
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That is great! I bet she will appreciate your gratitude for her work.
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Never, EVER, hurts to say thank you – and oftentimes, helps.
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