May 2, 2004

  • Something Sad


    I just picked up a new book to read.  It is quite incredible.  I do not recommend it to anyone under 26 years old, since as I read and reflect on the content of the book, I realize that reading it two years ago, it would have made no sense to me.  This book is definitely one you should read at around 26 or 27.


    I was at the hospital the other day, my friend, she couldn't walk because she had incredible pain around her feet and up her legs.  Us expats here don't really have family in Shanghai, so if anything drastic happens where you would normally call your mom or dad, sister or brother, you end up calling a good and capable friend (if you're lucky to have one that can drop everything for you).


    The first time I've ever ridden in an ambulance in my life was this time.  I suppose I should be thankful, as riding in ambulances shouldn't be something a person looks forward to.  As I dashed out of my apartment to pick my friend up, I was clueless as to what I needed to do.  Called all the locals that I knew.  If you are ever in China and need an ambulance, you dial 120 on the phone, the lady that picks up on the other end cannot speak English, but is a warm hearted and caring woman.  The ambulance took 10 minutes to get to where I had to go.  Things worked out in the end, she's over 40 and as her body changes, a lot of other things need to be done to maintain it.  She had low calcium levels, which I am told is very dangerous for a woman as she gets older.  I'm glad she's ok.


    It reminded me of another time at the hospital in Shanghai.  I went because a friend of mine was feeling the flu coming on and wanted to get her shots just in case.  The doctors hooked her up to an IV and sat us in a room with others hooked up on IV.  There was a young boy there, about 10 years old I'd say.  He wasn't crying aloud or anything, I would say it was more of a whimper, or maybe soft crying, sniffling.  You could tell he had no strength to cry.  The mom would just put his head against her body and gently pat him.  At that moment, going through my head, was an unmatched disbelief at how helpless this young boy's mom must had felt.  I could only imagine myself with my kid, how heartbroken I'd be, seeing my kid in so much pain, and me being completely helpless at easing his or her pain.  And then I think of the times I had a cough, or was sick in bed and wonder what my mom must have felt.  This type of helplessness is one of the worst in the world.  You have all the strength in the world, but all you can do is be there for the little boy and pray with all your might that the pain quickly passes.

Comments (3)

  • especially since the little boy is probably an only child. that's gotta be so hard for the mom!

  • are you kidding.  whenever I was sick my mom would whup me in the head and say "see, I told you not to go outside with wet hair."  hah.

    low calcium levels in women leads to osteoporosis which is pretty scary.  hope she starts taking supplements!  and thanks to you for being such a nice friend!

  • my first ambulance ride happened a couple of years ago when i was 18.  my best friend passed out in a restaurant, with none of our parents around in that city, i called the ambulance.  she reminded in critical condition for 8 days, and almost couldn't survive.  the doctor said if she was sent in a lit bit later, she would not be able to make it. 

    my boyfriend went to visit me in england while i was studying aboard there last summer.  he was just in time to get in the amblance to send me to hospital the same morning after he got there.  that was nice to have him there. : ) 

    btw, thanks for your comments.  but can u really understand my entries since they are all in chinese. :-p  always wondering. 

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