Live Strong

Some readers have brought it to my attention that i've let this blog go, much like a mother abandoning her ugly newborn, unaware that there's a good chance that very same baby might grow up to be Faith Hill one day and then boy, will she be sorry. I don't want to be Faith Hill's biological mother, so i'm posting again although i've really no news to talk about.

Sure, Stanley "Tookie" Williams was executed despite the vigil held at my house last night, and am i upset about that? Of course. Am i gonna go set some cars on fire to express my anger at Arnold? Probably. But there's no sense in writing about it. If there's one thing Stanley's death has taught us, its that no matter how many kids' books you write, murdering numerous people execution style will still get you the death penalty in California (yes, it was a very specific lesson). Jesus might forgive, but the law holds a grudge. Some other people died too....like Richard Pryor and my next door neighbor's grandfather...but that's really where their story ends.

Instead, i'll leave you with the following conversation between my mother and the doctor at the hospital where my brother had his tonsils removed earlier today:

Mom: Oh, by the way, can you check my daughter's file while we are here? My son has never been in surgery but his sister has some allergy to general anesthesia that he might have as well.

Dr: Do you know what exactly she's allergic too? What are the symptoms?

Mom: Oh, well, i'm not sure...she just doesnt seem to make it through surgeries very well...almost lost her a couple times. (chuckle)

Dr: (looking at file) Your daughter has pseudocholinesterase deficiency. It is a rare genetic disorder that affects her breathing and muscle function when given anesthesia that contains the muscle-relaxing drug succinylcholine.. Its very important that she be aware of exactly what she's allergic to because this could cost her her life if she ever finds herself in an emergency surgery situation.

Mom: Oh, wow, I should call her. She's actually very clumsy: just broke her toe falling down the stairs this morning; second time in the last three months. It's a miracle she's made it to 24 years, ...

Dr.: How did you learn she had an allergy in the first place?

Mom: Oh, well, she had surgery when she was 3 and almost didnt wake up, and then again at 6, she had surgery on her ear and went into a little coma...

Dr.: Twice?! And you didn't think to get her bloodwork done after the first time?

Mom: Well, she woke up. So uh...I'm not sure what you're getting at.

Dr: Aren't you a nurse? And your husband is a doctor, right? You should really take something like not waking up after surgery seriously.

Mom: We have four kids...it's hard to keep track of every little thing.

Dr: (a little puzzled) Well, you should get all of your kids tested and your daughter should wear a bracelet...just in case she gets into a car accident or something.

Mom: Can't wait to tell her that part. Maybe i'll make it her christmas present: "Surprise! you're a freak!"

Dr: ...Um...I have to get back to your son now. This surgery should take about 40 minutes.

Mom: Ok. I think i might go run some errands. Tell him i'm in the waiting room in case he asks...oh, and add that i'm very worried about him.