Don't Do the Room

I’ve never waited out the latest news of a loved one in the hospital waiting room. There have been plenty of opportunities in my thirty-three years; but, I’ve always spent those nerve racking times at ‘home’ or in the office. Granted, the first couple of life and death health waits occurred before I was six, so I understand why I found myself grabbing the best Halloween loot of my life and hanging out with Grandma B.

For the other wait times of my youth, I was left behind or with someone else to entertain me as people were opened and closed at hospitals nearby. And while, I’m fairly certain I wasn’t included in the waiting for reasons of protection, I’m also fairly certain that it was to keep me from being “under foot” or “one more person to corral”. That’s the separation that bites. The I can’t deal with you and this at the same time so stay away vibe I get from members of the fam-damly.

That’s what bugs, and haunts, and influences without my knowing. That’s were mindfulness matters. That’s why I work and worry at the same time. That’s where the fight for the value of my voice begins.

So, to the “they can’t deal with you and this at the same time so stay away vibe” in my head:

Shut Up and Die!