Sound the Alarm-I’m Getting on the Scale!
A few months ago a friend had given me an emergency button which was like a key chain and I could put in or on my purse. If anyone where to accost me, I can hit that button and a screeching, high pitched siren will alert those around me that I am in need of help. I figured at my age and with my recent mobility issues it wasn’t a bad idea. Thanking her, I hooked it onto my purse and didn’t give it another thought.
Recently it was tested and it performed beautifully. It certainly makes a piercing, eye popping, earth shattering scream that doesn’t stop. And it happened as I was getting ready to step on the scale in my oncologist’s office. I think it was trying to warn everyone that they shouldn’t let me get on the scale. That’s a figure (and mine) that no one should see.
The sound was so loud and seemed to ricochet off the hallway and in my distress, embarrassment, and humiliation; I couldn’t remember how to stop it! This went on for about ten minutes with the nurse and me trying to muffle the noise by holding it between our palms and pressing it to stop. This of course meant she couldn’t take my vitals. So I finally put it on the floor and began to smash it. When I couldn’t, she tried and finally, together, we beat it to death!
We all had a good laugh after we murdered it. When my doctor came in, she never mentioned the cacophony of noise I created but did suggest that since I was 23 years out from my diagnosis of breast cancer that I could be followed by my GP for my routine mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI’s! The thought crossed my mind that she just wants to get rid of any rebel rousers in her practice. After assurances that she would take me back when and if my cancer reoccurred; I left the office with one more script of the above tests.
It was only after I was waiting in the examining room did I realize the keychain and its insert was still hanging on my purse and all I had to do was reinsert it into the button!
On the quiet ride home, I thought about what had happened. How did it even get pulled off when all I did was sit my purse on a table beside the scale? Was God trying to tell me something? I had been really enjoying my food lately and it was definitely showing on my sad, aging, aching body. Or was to make sure everyone was awake? Or maybe God knew I could handle the embarrassment and wanted to provide a good laugh to all those that were seeing the doctor or receiving chemotherapy.
I choose to think it was one of those funny moments in life that let you know that you like everyone – are no better, no worse, and should you get a bit full of yourself, life has a way of humbling you.
I shared the story with my friend who gave the alarm to me and she said she’d give me another one. I thanked and politely said no. After all, I have proven that I am too dangerous to be left with a little alarm button.
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.