Friday’s Fave Five is a meme wherein participants list five best things from their week. Now not every week is great for everyone, and that’s where the challenge to come up with blessings lies. Do you hear gratitude? Or optimism? A few days before this just-concluded Christmas, I had to try finding what’s good in a week that involved a seriously lacerated forehead on top of having to work on Christmas day.
*****
Too much multi-tasking amidst anemic symptoms sent me bleeding to the ER. Two surgeons hovered over me. “Fifty-two,” said one to the other. And the stitching began. I gleaned my week’s best through sutures, anesthesia and an anti-tetanus shot.
i. It was fifty-two, not fifty-three stitches or more. I’d take that and be thankful.
ii. The presence of a friend. So much for independence and pride in doing things single-handedly. I mean going through all that alone was possible, but someone to whom you can say ouch without worrying how you look is comfort I wouldn’t exchange for anything that week.
iii. Making it to work the next evening and onward. Thank God for antibiotics and painkillers I was back in the lecture hall the next evening poise intact.
iv. Learning questions. The interview (at the hospital) made me review my lifestyle. Do you smoke? – once in a blue moon, drink? – just the occasional martini, etc…. and then I had to chuckle at, “are you sure nobody hit you?”
v. Good-natured neighbors and colleagues. Half my face was swollen and numb, right eye was a red grape I know I look awful I should lock myself up but I had to work and those who were unfortunately subjected to the sight of me kept it civil. The Australian guy who hangs out at the corner shop where I pass by to work was the first to greet me merry Christmas after asking what happened.
It was indeed Christmas, black eye or not. And although I was working on the 24th til the 25th, it was up to me how to tweak traditional celebrations and celebrate the season. I’m glad I had that option. Here’s to an even more rocking 2012!
Stasia Desiderata 