The life-saving power of blood donation is well known. However, the destinies that intertwine because of the decision to donate are yet to be explored.
We’ve all heard the saying “A single blood donation can save a life,” but have you ever heard of a blood donation leading to a miraculous twist of fate?
This is the story of Lian Zhicheng, a man from Hsinchu, Taiwan, whose routine act of kindness intertwined with destiny to write a love story that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
A habit of blood donation that led to a lifetime connection
Lian Zhicheng has donated blood every three months since he was 20. Little did he know that one of these donations would play a crucial role in his future.
Through his work, at the age of 47, he met Lin Xiaofen, a former teacher who had returned to Hsinchu to take over her family business. The two hit it off and started dating, often surprising each other with their uncanny understanding of one another. Lin once joked, “He even knows when I’m making faces behind his back!”
A discovery that changed everything
During a visit to Lian’s home, Lin discovered his house was filled with mementos from his blood donations. As they talked, Lin shared a harrowing experience from 11 years prior when she was working alone in Taipei.
She had fallen into a coma due to a severe medical emergency and required more than 10 bags of blood and two bags of platelets to save her life. “If it weren’t for those donations, I might not be here today,” she reflected.
Our wills and fates do so contrary run, that our devices still are overthrown; our thoughts are ours, their ends none of our own.
– William Shakespear
A twist of fate
Upon hearing Lin’s story, Lian casually remarked: “You didn’t happen to receive my blood, did you?” This question sparked Lin’s curiosity, and after some investigation, she discovered that the lifesaving blood she received indeed came from Lian.
Despite privacy laws making it difficult to obtain donor information, persistent inquiries revealed that the donation had come from a “Mr. Lian” in Hsinchu. The realization that her savior was none other than her current boyfriend was nothing short of astonishing.
A bond sealed by blood
Despite a 10-year age gap, Lian and Lin felt an inexplicable connection. After dating for over two years, they married in March 2018, cementing their serendipitous bond.
Recently, amidst news reports of blood shortages, Lin, who had been saved by a blood donation, shared their incredible story on Facebook to encourage others to donate. Lian humorously added, “Go donate blood; you might just save your future spouse.”
The ripple effect of a good deed
This couple’s experience is a testament to the unforeseen impact of good deeds. Blood donation is a selfless act with the potential to forge connections far beyond what we can imagine. It’s a reminder that our actions can have far-reaching effects, sometimes even shaping our destinies.
A call to action
In a world where we often feel disconnected, stories like Lian and Lin’s remind us of the power of human connection and the importance of helping others. As we face global challenges, such as health crises and natural disasters, the need for blood donations remains critical.
Your contribution could be the lifeline for someone in need – and who knows, it might even lead to a fateful encounter of your own.
In conclusion, Lian and Lin’s love story, born from a simple act of giving, inspires us to consider how we can contribute to the world around us. Whether it’s through donating blood or engaging in other acts of kindness, each of us has the power to make a difference. So, roll up your sleeve — your small gesture could be someone else’s miracle.
