Life's A Five-Ticket Ride
Rented Hands
posted Sunday, 13 February 2005
Several times in my life I've rented a hand to hold. I've had surgeries and office procedures done where no one has accompanied me, and the doctors have asked the nurses to hold my hand while the procedure was performed
The latest nurse was kind, brushing my hair away from my eyes and talking softly while he performed a D&C with no anesthesia and no pain meds. It felt like a brillo pad was being drug across my insides, and I didn't cry. I just said, "you're hurting me" several times. The doctor told me he was almost done about five times, and I was angry that he lied. He wasn't almost done. The nurse whispered to me and told me to breathe. She stroked my forehead and squeezed my hand, "You're being such a brave girl" she cooed. She was kind.
I'm thinking about rented hands because my neighbor down the street has endometreosis and had a hysterectomy performed. Her husband accompanied her to the hospital and she's recuperating very slowly at home, as unfortunately there were complications. I hope she feels better soon. At least she doesn't have to rely on rented hands for comfort.
So tonight I'll admit to being angry. I'm angry that I've been kind to others and have given to others and I find myself left alone. I'm angry that my so-called friends have completely abandoned me without so much as a word of comfort. It's sad to realize that you're not worth the extra effort of a phone call to see how things are going.
Thank goodness for nurses who can rent you a hand when you need one.
Feel free to chime in...