Waiting
I started to hate the smell of doctors’ offices; they’re all the same—disinfectant mixed with sickness and loss of hope. Granted this one was new, but that didn’t matter. And I hated waiting rooms; why should I wait to go somewhere I don’t want to? My right leg started to shake out of nervousness; Mom looked just as worried.
“Kristen, I can take you back now.” Used to preppy nurses’ voices in doctors’ offices, I was surprised to hear Mark Darnell, Beth Noffke’s boyfriend, call my name. Little did I know that he would forever be associated with the day that changed my life. I was getting used to the pre-doctor checks: height, weight, blood pressure; all of which Mark Darnell would check this day. Blood pressure: normal; height: same; weight: down another nine pounds since last week’s doctor…that can’t be a bad thing, right? I sat down on the uncomfortable doctor’s table with the paper that crackles with every slight move you make to wait. Mark Darnell left and it was just me and Mom. Waiting.
“I’m sure it’s just the birth control; it says one of the side effects is rise in blood sugar.” That’s what Mom was good for—reassurance that nothing bad was really happening.
“Yeah. That has to be it.” Even though we both said it, a part of us knew that it wasn’t true, but we chose to continue ignoring the giant elephant in the room.
There was a knock on the door. At least this doctor’s faster than the rest. A small Indian looking woman, no older than thirty-five walked in and introduced herself as Dr. Suri. Time to find out what an endocrinologist is. She started saying things I no longer remember, but I do remember her addressing the question Mom had about the birth control pills—“they wouldn’t raise blood sugar levels that much.” And I do remember her checking my blood sugar after not eating for over five hours and saying, “Right now you’re at 412. I’m sorry to say you have Type 1 Diabetes. I’ll have a nurse walk you down to the Children’s Wing in the hospital. You’ll have to stay there a couple of days to learn about a few things concerning Diabetes Education and I’ll be down to see you and check up on you in a couple of hours.”
Dr. Suri left and with tears in my eyes, I looked over at Mom; tears were welling in her’s too. Again we were left waiting. Crying and waiting.
Thank you for sharing such a personal moment with us. I really connected with your story, could see the doctor, could feel your nervousness. This would be a great piece for you to add to!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how difficult that moment must have been. My dad found out he has Type 2 Diabetes, and I know Type 1's worse. Thank you for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a powerful moment and I think you absolutely do it justice. I think the way you structured this piece and the way you used italics for emphasis really captures every emotion and really demonstrates what this moment means to you.
ReplyDeleteI could tell that this piece holds a lot of emotion for you, and I think it's wonderful that you were willing to share this with us. It's difficult for a lot of people to share the painful moments in their life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this piece with us. While reading it, I felt like I was in the room with you and your mom. Your descriptions and details were so vivid that I felt as if I was waiting with you. It's amazing how sharing small moments such as this allow the reader to feel as if they know the writer. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a much more personal autobiography than the one I wrote. Its great that you captured this moment so well because I'm sure it has had a significant impact on the rest of your life. It is not your whole identity, but it is something important about you and you did a great job describing the moment.
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