Blog – Page 23 – Jeff Hampton, Writer

August 23, 2023

The Gift of Life . . . No Kidding

For Wilshire Baptist Church

There’s a lot I can do to help people and a lot I can’t do; a lot that I like to do, and a lot that I don’t like to do. Among the few things I can and will do that hits the sweet spot on the graph of those possibilities is donating blood.

During my adult lifetime, I’ve given almost nine gallons of blood. That sounds like a lot but there are folks who have given much more. The top donor in the Guinness Book of World Records has given more than 25 gallons over the past 60 years. The majority of my donations have been through Wilshire’s periodic blood drives. I’ve done it because the need is evident, it’s easy to do — you just lay on your back and relax for 30 to 40 minutes — and when you’re done you get some snacks and a free pass for a lazy afternoon nap. You also get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped people in real need in a very tangible and personal way.

August 17, 2023

On the Ringing of Bells

For Wilshire Baptist Church

Bells come in all shapes and sizes and are rung for all reasons and purposes. We hear them in churches and casinos, boxing rings and stock markets, schools and fire stations, in bars and on bicycles. Bells signal that something important is happening – something that warrants our attention.

August 10, 2023

Dashboard Tears

For Wilshire Baptist Church

Edward Elgar made me cry this morning while driving home from radiation treatment. Or was it something else?

Just 30 minutes earlier, while in the “tube” at UT Southwestern getting treatment for the tumor in my sinus, I was listening to classical music and the first movement from Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” cycled through. I made a mental note to listen to the entire suite on the way home, and then I told the therapist as I was leaving, “See you tomorrow for the last treatment.” She looked at me and said, “No, you have two more treatments.” I questioned that and said my schedule ended tomorrow, but she said their schedule for me continued until Monday. Bummer!