If I’ve talked with you on the phone, or emailed you, then I’ve probably asked for your blood type.

I’ve been so obsessed with COVID-19 blood types that I emailed our children and grandchildren to get their information. Then, during an interview with a school official last week I asked for his.

After I apologized for my unprofessional behavior, I didn’t leave it at that. I said I’d been admitted to the Oklahoma Junior Academy of Science in 1960 when I was a high school freshman for a paper dispelling a myth that lamb’s blood could be used to successfully transfuse to humans.

I know, oversharing now you. But A-positive (my blood type) is at the top of the three types most likely to get COVID so I’ve been more than curious, especially since I got the virus for Christmas.

Another blood type more vulnerable to the virus is AB-positive, a type. I believe he told me without me asking, and I just read that B-positive is also in the top three. But, I read that B-positive blood types are less likely to have lung, or kidney problems with the virus, but as we’ve learned, there are many variations to COVID.

Take it easy if you’re 0 positive, which most people are, because you’re at the lowest risk of infection. That doesn’t mean you can’t, or won’t, get it. However, health officials say it wouldn’t be as bad for you as us A, B and AB positive folks. But I wouldn’t stake my life on that.

We’ve learned that old age, and other health issues are at play with this disease that has attacked all ages and healthy people, but I haven’t read anything that shows much difference in your sex, politics or religion.

Unlike our church-going records, my husband and I had perfect attendance in voting and community blood drives. Bill had 0 (rh) negative blood. Only 7 % of the population have it, and it’s the universal red cell donor type and used during emergencies.

I emailed our kids in hopes some of them got their dad’s “magic” blood, but none did. Then I heard from our New York grandson who is 0 negative.

My fascination with blood types is because my ninth grade biology teacher encouraged me to enter that science competition. Also, to my mother, who drove across town several times (and once in a snow storm) to get lamb’s blood for me. Also, my daddy who thought that jar in the refrigerator was tomato juice.

I did all the blood tests, made my own typing serum, and was sick with a cold the announcement letter came in the mail. Then I did what any other teen would do, I went to school for fourth hour to tell my teacher.

Here it is 61 years later and one week after I mentioned that science project. Then last night while I looked for I tripped over a box of photos. Among the mix of photos and report cards was an April 3, 1960 membership certificate in the Junior Academy of Science to Barbara Ann Chastain.