Day 16 Happy Halloween
Woke up to the patient relations staff parading through the hall, in full costume. And they’re taking pictures of me, laughing hysterically.
Change in plans. Thought I had a spinal today, apparently I misunderstood. Therapies were already postponed, so with the day off, I went into town for lunch, gifts, and groceries. Got 2 cards with the names and addresses (in Chinese) of the mall and the hospital. Had lunch at KFC (first ice in a drink since I’ve been here).
China does NOT have a disabilities act, what they do have is a people with patience and kindness, in a matter of fact sort of way, for their fellow man. Before I could ascend the three steps to the KFC, a man took my elbow and helped me up, and walked away with a smile. I’ve only learned three words in Chinese, hello, thank you, and you’re welcome. I use the second one a lot.
After lunch, I looked at gifts for my family and the hospital staff. One of the moms, Joanne (here for the THIRD time from Singapore with her family for her son with undiagnosed developmental delays) helped me get something for the nurses (I won’t say what, they might be reading!) but I’ve still got a long list. Then I went to the RT Mart for groceries. Got my diet coke and other assorted sundries, loaded them in my backpack, and caught a cab “home”. All in all, I was rather pleased with my little adventure.
After a quick rest and some housekeeping, I went with Cindy, her son Xavier, Diane, Kris and her daughter Brooke, for a farewell dinner with them at the Holiday Inn (a four star hotel here). The three Michigan ladies are heading home tomorrow, after 40 days at Camp Stemcell. They’ve been good friends, and I’ll miss them.
We met a charming maitre d’, a Geman fellow named Michael, who came to this country, got a job, and married a local girl (we also met her, she works at the hotel).
Came back, exhausted, and talked to my wife, my mother and sister. Think I’ll call it a night.
3 comments November 1st, 2008
