I went to the VA Hospital E.R. earlier.
I had been in a bit of pain all week and it was getting worse. I normally hate hospitals.
After my care was done, my older son and I were walking out of the hospital. I noticed a lady rushing towards me. My maternal and protective instincts kicked in. I grabbed my 18 year-old, 6ft, 180 lbs, son, who's my chauffer, and pulled him behind me. I put my cane in between me and this lady and demanded she not come too close. I have no idea if she's nuts. Last time I was at the VA Hospital for physical therapy, some idiot went crazy on the receptionist, VA police had to escort him out.
Anyway, I told her to stop and identify herself. After she did, I slowly put my cane next to me. My son stood on the other side of me.
She asks, "What's your name?
I answered, "Pepper."
She asks, "Do you mind if I say a prayer for you?" At this point, my son and I lock eyes in DISBELIEF and we grinned at each other.
"Sure," I said. (Remember, I'm drugged up. lol)
She starts to pray, "Blah, blah, blah."
My son and I said, "Thank you, Ma'am." I gave her a hug and apologised for my defensive nature when being approached the way she approached me and explained my defensive stance. She apologised for running up to me the way she did.
My son asks, "Are you sure that was okay with you?"
I said, "Yes, Son. Her intentions were genuine and she was not trying to sell me her religion."
The entire car ride home was quiet.
Oh, and I feel much better because of the meds.
1 pill of Valium, a shot of Toradol, and a prescription of Flexeril. Should last until I can see my civilian pain doc.
That must've been a pretty challenging interaction given you were in pain and with your son. I might not have handled it well as well as you did.
I hope you heal quickly and feel better soon!
Sorry for your pain, both the pain of the pain, and the pain of prayer. I know your story was about your motherly instincts, which is way cool, but being part of the VA system myself and carrying a service-connected shit that has that sidecar of pain, I have to say that I really miss Colorado. The meds the VA had me on had to be taken with something to prevent stomach problems, but they ended up burning a hole down there anyway, a bleeding ulcer. I quit their pain meds and turned to weed, specifically indica in oral form before going to bed. No more tossing and turning and changing positions because of the discomfort. Perhaps one day our country will see the good that cannabis can bring, especially when it comes to pain management.
Hit me with your cane whenever we meet.
@BrokenMarrow Hehehe... As long as I know it's you, I would hug you. You're such a wonderful person.
@SleeplessInTexas hit me baby one more time..... okay I'll stop
So your son has cumulative whiplash?
I learned to counter-blow my moms strong arm at about seven.
Ready to cane a granny. lol
@BufftonBeotch Hahaha! The kid had no idea.
It was natural reflexes as a mother to protect my son from anything I deem a threat. I've seen enough at VA Hospitals to expect the unexpected.
I thank you for your Service and Sacrifice.
@GipsyOfNewSpain Thank you for YOUR military service, My Friend. ?
I feel terrible for having missed out on my plans to sing to the hearing impaired.
Sounds about as bad as when you go to CHI. Christian... walk in and there are loads of crosses.
A Marine buddy of mine came over once and asked if he and another guy could pray over me. I said fine. At least they might have felt better. Prayer didn't do shit for me.
So sorry to hear that you are not feeling well! Hope you get better soon!
I have to be in excruciating pain to ever use a cane. My pain level was above a 10.