Hello all! I just wanted to share with you my experience at the doctor's office today. I am fine--just had to get a Rx filled...On to the story. The first thing I encounter as I walk through the automatic doors of Thomas Hospital is a volunteer sitting behind a desk. She was wearing a pink lab coat--you know, the older-lady candy-striper badge of honor. I pause and recognize that this lady used to be a Spanish teacher at Fairhope High School and to add to her story--she's deaf in her left ear. How I remember this, I do not know--but alas I do. I say,"Hello" and she responds accordingly. I think to myself, "Dangit, I missed my chance to use whatever practical Spanish I know!" So, I noted that to myself and proceeded to my doctor's office. I take the ride up the elevator which reminds me of the scene in "You've Got Mail." Every time I get on one, I look around at the other passengers and think to myself, "What if we got stuck? What would we talk about? Do I smell B.O.? I don't think I could handle being stuck in an elevator with a smelly person..." I digress. So, I make it to my destination, safe and sound. As I walk into the office to sign in, I notice a box precariously positioned on the counter space right next to the sign-in sheet. On the box was written "Take one if you need it." What was in the box you might ask? Well, this treasure box of free booty was loaded with surgical masks. Yes, surgical masks. Apparently, people in Fairhope, Alabama are taking precautions against the "Swine Flu." Seriously. Or at least if they think they might want to....oh mass hysteria why have you come into the sleepy town of Fairhope? For a fleeting moment I almost helped myself to the masks as a joke of course--but then I opted out of the free gift with purchase that an appointment with my MD offered. On my way out of Thomas Hosptial I spy the former educator turned candy-striper/pink lady and say very confidently, "Hola!" She replied, "Huh???" If only I knew sign language...I suppose this child was indeed left behind with no second language to call my own.
