yesterday

An overbooked ENT/DERM department meant taking the first available appointment. The only opening happened to fall right at school let out. Thank goodness for grandparents that are near and willing to lend a hand. My mom came to the rescue and afforded me the luxury of going to my appointment with out any one in tow.

I arrived well over twenty minutes early. (It seems I get ready and out the door much more quickly by myself. Who knew?) The receptionist took my name. I took a seat. I took a breath. Then another. It felt unfamiliar to sit there alone....unfamiliar, but nice. Really nice. (I love my children.)

After several minutes of quiet reflection, I took a look around. Seven elderly individuals. One teenage boy and his mother. Huh. Ear. Nose. Throat. Dermatology. It took me several minutes to connect ears to hearing aids. I couldn't get past ear infections and ear tubes. You know, because you have to make up stories in your mind about everyone in the waiting room.

The boy and his mom were rather obvious. He was there for acne treatment. I'm sorry, young man. One day, you will be very handsome. I'm sure of it. Just ask your mother. I'm certain she would tell you the same. And she'll probably tell you on the way to your first class at college. Because, I'm pretty sure she's coming along with you. She has Helicopter Mother written all over her.

Once I figured ear = hearing aids, I thought I had all The Elderlies pegged. (I say Elderlies with love. I love Elderlies.) But! On closer inspection, I noticed several of them spotted with bandages. Aha! They were there for reasons similar to mine. You could tell the ones that needed hearing aid assistance. They talk louder. And say "Huh?" And then their wife says, "THAT WAS SUSAN. YOU KNOW, CARMEN'S DAUGHTER."

After assigning a story to everyone in the room, I decided to pass the time by reading. I hadn't brought anything along, so started to look for a good magazine. Hmmm. Slim pickin's. I'm not a huge Nick(alodian) fan. So, half of the reading material available in the room didn't pique my interest. But, neither did the 8 back issues of Arthritis Today. Time for more quiet reflection.

I thought random thoughts until it was my turn. The nurse thanked me for my patience. Are you kidding!? I was having a great time! Had it not been for the mole they cut from my arm, it would have been the highlight of my week. Like a spa. Without the massage and pampering and ambiance.