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Needles & Olives

1.

At irregular intervals, in away from home either on a work trip or in a place of health care.

My heart and lungs gave up on me in 2021, but I wasn't ready to go, so that contract was extended. 

I have a trusty younger brother who I call for crises before anyone else. Whenever in at the back of an ambulance, he's the first to get a call. It usually goes like this:

"Bro.?"

"Gugz?"

"I'm in an ambulance." 

"Okay. I'll go over and look after the boy, doggo and place." 

"Thanks, bro. And no, mom doesn't know yet. Let me settle into the hospital first before stressing her." 

In hindsight, receiving a call from me must be triggering at this point. But my brother wouldn't have it any other way. He's the youngest, but our only brother. 

°°°

2. 

This time around, there was a pothole on the road. My brother's lifestyle has changed and it would be unfair of me to expect him to make these sacrifices. 

He was not impressed that I didn't give him the opportunity, but I have big sister syndrome; deputy patentism. 

This left my son to be some at home while I'm battling pneumonia in hospital. Something he boldly declared he needed to be; alone, that is. 

°°°

3.

The Lion Man. That is how I named him. That is how he has turned out to be. Always taking over, being kingly, yet he's a puppy at heart. Did you know that lions are more like dogs than cats? Now you know. 

One night after staying alone without mom, it was mentally crushing for my beloved. He put on a brave face for me, but every parent knows their offspring. It's been unpleasant. 

On the bright side, he had a steady supply of takeaways from kind individuals who couldn't watch a boy go hungry alone. There's food in the fridge to cook, but we're referring to a 17-year-old here. Love him. 

°°°

4.

I don't like being sick in hospital. No one does. But, each time I'm here, I learn to recalibrate my psyche. I learn what's more important. I learn to say "no." 

Is it great that my lungs were full of infection and I was shaking every time I coughed (you felt the tremours, I know)? No, it wasn't. 

But, 

I had good healthcare;

The nurses liked my cheeks;

Someone brought me a Teddy bear;

I had 24-hour uncapped WiFi;

I only had to bathe myself, no other work. 

Pleasant!

















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