Change Your Life Day

When you step on the accelerator just about when you are gonna take a turn, it isn't exactly a wise thing to do. Ask me?! Well, I was the one who hit the bumper. I was jaywalking down the lane when the above-said maneuver was attempted and I was thrown across the pavement. I was conscious enough to understand the EMS sounds and the white-coated docs, but when they chattered about how I would lose or dislocate my left arm if it isn't held in a particular position I almost went unconscious. From the corner of my eye I could see some John Doe hold my hand. For all the 15 minutes it took I was just concentrating on my arm, not to move it even an inch; of course, he was holding it just right. I recuperated and came out in one piece after a few weeks. One day I happened to pass by the same hospital again and saw that this guy was involved in yet another emergency case. He was moving with concern and determination, written large on his face as if his life depended on it. I know, I paid my bills, paid my insurance its dues, and thanked my friends and family who were by my side when I was recuperating. But what about this guy, a virtual nobody, who is concerned and fighting it out there with no credentials as a doctor, but just a nurse. He doesn't care if he's paid the price of a life he has saved or waits for a pat. He is just another male that fills up the hospital floor. Mere number! At least for me! "Hey, he saved your arm!" I heard it loud this time. It came from within my heart. Found him in the Nurses Station in a relaxed mood for a change. He looked surprised. I don't know when was the last time he saw a patient walking in perfect health, come to him. I profoundly thanked him and even gave him a hug. I guess he was embarrassed. I know why. He never expected it. Nobody is inferior and everybody deserves a word of gratitude. Life is made of precious little moments like this and more often than not every single moment has a lesson or two, which could change our lives.

Train Your Brain Day

Adult human brain is about 2% of the total body weight. Steve claims it's 20% for him. He says he would never forget a face or a word once he sees or hears it. He has trained his brain in such a way. Sure, we know why! Let me give you an example. Our gang took a trip to Connecticut to visit Steve's folks, last summer. One idle evening we strolled by the river lake and to the park beside only to find a greyhound limping and in pain. Steve, ever-the-caregiver, couldn't resist and took a closer look. The dog was off leash and limping somewhat bizarre. I mean, both its right hind leg was bleeding as well as the left front one. Of course, since it was balancing the weight on the front foot, the front leg too was hurting, hmmm….

Steve dug through his backpack to find the necessary first-aid, he carries stuff that could be used on a war-field, by that I'm not ruling out ammunitions. He spread the antiseptic and some cream, the name of it can never be pronounced, definitely Geek, I presume and then bandaged it neat. It took a few minutes for the hound to understand he has been treated. He gingerly placed all four legs on the ground and once sure Steve hasn't performed black magic, gave him a slurp lick on the cheek and scooted!

Cut to the present! It's been a year now since the incident and this time, we were in our neighborhood park. Yes, you guessed it right. Familiar sight, a greyhound standing just like the other day, leaned on a tree, and limping! Steve was glowing! It took a liking for Steve and was staring at him. We couldn't exactly place the dog, but Steve was sure and to clear the air, the hound started limping visibly. Steve immediately moved forward and reached for the hind-leg with a smile.

It takes exactly one-and-a-quarter second for a dog to bite off a chunk of flesh. Well, how do I know it?! Because, my dear buddies, I saw it. Yes, Steve lost as much flesh when he went for a Vet-care session with a hound dog.

Yeah, probably, it was not the same one. He learnt it the hard way!

Girl' Day

Meggy is on a Christmas shopping spree. Now, don't fault her, she has started late this year. She usually starts Christmas shopping just a week after New Year. By her standards, she is late. And she has to makeup for last time – her words, not mine. The worst part is, she likes to tag us poor souls along. If the trail room had a kitchen and toilet, she would've happily settled there until Christmas, I guess. She literally lives there. She goes in with a bale of clothes and comes out in different colors and hues. All said and done, for all the tiresome leg work, her enthusiasm is infectious. She is such a sweetheart!

Our entourage happened upon a 7-Eleven on our way home and we went into a pick up a few domestic stuff. The scene was straight out of the movies. A dude barged ahead of us to the cash counter, breaking the queue, and brandished a gun at the bewildered lady behind the counter. She went for the alarm, but the guy took aim at point blank range. She didn't have a choice, but to step off. Learning Taekwondo and Tai Chi helps, I guess. A hand on my shoulder for balance, one step on the baggage cart to propel her leap, she landed foot first between his legs and hurt the place void of bones. One-Two-Three maneuver. Two seconds. That's it. Gun-wielding dude was spread-eagled across the floor. An attempt at 7-Eleven shopping ended up with a 911 call. It's not the skill, but the guts and spur of the moment decision to react made Meggy in my eyes a champion. Icing on the cake is that this incident happened on the day dedicated for Kathy Sullivan, 'You Go, Girl' Day, the first American woman to walk in space. How apt!

Grouch Day-Oct 15

Ron's uncle was deployed in Iraq, was wounded, and now recuperating at the Veteran's Hospital. We went around for a visit and were taken aback by the scene. They were in pain, but brave enough to hide it. It's not the physical pain that struck me, but the loneliness. That resulted in them being a grouch. Steve's uncle was irritant and easily frustrated. He complained about anything and everything. I decided I shouldn't judge him by what he says, but from where he was and why he is here.

Kong took a liking to him and would stay by him all the time making faces, placing his paws high on his chest and surprisingly he was the only one who escaped the soldier's ire. I thought it was best to let him be with him and Kong readily agreed with a nod. Good for him! When we were making our way out, Steve's uncle was breaking his façade of a grouch and petting the dog with all his heart and Kong was devouring the attention. They looked a happy family full of smiles. Strange are the ways of the world! Sometimes nothing compares to company!