Unmasking Certain Terrifying Life's Scenarios
My number of years was exiguous, compared to my weight of years. My experience was daily heightened, through knowledge amassed from being inquisitive.
To avoid fear creeping in from some narratives, my parents had a way of sifting some information. At times, they gave an overriding universal condition.
I realized their jobs, have them grapple with mortality daily. Both professions my parents were fully engaged in, reconstructed the fragility of life.
Safety became my greatest worry, when I knew my parents were both skating on thin ice.
(Ashely and Carrie)
After the first round of teaching that morning, I noticed Carrie wasn't cheerful. This was quite unlike her. For a few days now, she had been quieter, sort of morose. I wanted to be cautious enough, not prying into her affairs. I noticed some of her friends had been around her at regular intervals.
Even though I was still fresh in their midst, trying to get used to the environment, my personal identity would not allow me keep mute on issues like this. I cherish her happiness, and would want to make a positive impression, as much as I could.
(Ashley walked towards Carrie)
Hi, Carrie. Hope you are doing great today?
Hello (she waved). Her smile was nothing, but a rictus visage, unappealing and uninviting.
Any problem? You look so disturbed (Her seat partner had stepped out, so I could sit beside her).
"I recently lost one of my uncles" (she said in a pathetic tone)
"Oh no! Sorry about that. What happened to him?"
(Her countenance fell, as she tried to explain)
He worked in the army (my heart raced). He joined his troop to embark on a peaceful mission, somewhere in Europe.
"Tell me, so what happened to him exactly?" (I became more curious)
"According to my dad, he was diagnosed for a less severe type 2 diabetes long ago. He had been able to use series of medications, and employ some lifestyle changes, in order to push back the disease."
That's right. So what happened? Was there a recurrence or relapse?
"Well, based on what my dad detected, he didn't go for periodic checks, especially after relocating to his new base, on the peaceful mission. He had stayed in that new area for a year and two months now. The environment had altered his eating habit, and a whole lot about him, unlike when he was still with his family"; Carrie expatiated.
"That's so sad. Did he suddenly die or what exactly happened to him in the process, I asked?"
'He had a laceration in between his toes. He felt this occurred due to environmental changes. While receiving treatment, the doctors realized the healing period was taking longer than usual. That led to a recourse to his health history.
'Was the affected foot amputated?'
'I guess it was, not so sure.'
'Oh! So sad.'
"You have to be strong at this time, Carrie. The journey ahead of you is a long one, with lots of actionable pursuits. You can't afford to be down at this focal stage of your life. This has happened, and you have to take heart."
"My dad had also encouraged me to take heart. I just couldn't forget how kind-hearted my uncle was. His love, compassion, the gifts, hangouts, and the time we shared together. His dispositions towards me, were just as one of his grand-daughters. He was my big uncle. We had discussed about his wilful resignation in a year's time. I even encouraged him to wait till his retirement, not knowing his plans would be usurped by death."
"Such a disheartening and heart-wrenching story. I sincerely commiserate with your family at this time of grief."
Thanks, Ashley. Your words were really comforting (I placed my hands across her back, patting her as she sobbed).
'You have to let it go. Please, take heart.'
Many thanks, Ashley.
See you later. (I went back to my seat, still sad about the story)
(Ashley Alone Soliloquising)
This incident looked like a minor risk, that could have been avoided, if adequate precautionary measures were properly taken. Mum would need to answer some vital questions that I have.
I really feel for Carrie. What a close-knitted family they've got.
Come to think of it, aside death staring in the faces of those army personnel, they might also have to battle with personal challenges, ranging from health and so on.
I kept swimming in the ocean of my thoughts. I dangled in-between several may be, if, and contrary thoughts. I contemplated on how well one could avoid or prevent certain evil occurrences from taking place.
My entire break time was spent ruminating on the subject of death. Despite its inevitability, its avoidance when possible, was my main subject of concern.
Hi, Ashley, Marie greeted, as she came in.
I was lost in thought (she snapped her finger in my face, to get my attention).
Ashley, how come you were so lost in thought. Any issues?
Oh! So sorry, Marie. Just thinking about Carrie, and the unfortunate incident that happened to her uncle.
'It's so disheartening. We really need to encourage her at this critical time.'
'You are right. We can do that immediately after the class.'
That's fine.
(Ashley and Mum)
'Hope you are getting along with your new staff at the hospital?'
Of course, I am.
'I believe unity of purpose among colleagues, has a way of simplifying workflow.
'It does, mum. Teamwork is crucial, even at school.'
You're right, Ashley.
"Possessing an eagle's eyes, and intuitive capability, help me to be at alert always", mum added.
'That's inspiring', I responded.
'How do you avoid contracting an infection or disease, while on duty, I interjected?'
'What an intelligent question', mum adjudged.
Medical personnel often put their lives on the line, while treating patients with communicable or infectious diseases. Such diseases can easily spread through pathogens or microorganisms.
To prevent this risk, use of personal protective equipment is essential.
First, you maintain a first level hygiene. You don't get tired of washing your hands often, and disinfecting the environment. The use of medical gloves, medical face shield, nose masks, protective glasses are all essential requirements.
'It's good all of those are in place.'
'Aside being in place, proper use is also essential, mum added.
'Sorry to caught in, mum.'
That's okay.
"One of my classmates, Carrie, lost his uncle. The man was a soldier on peace mission, somewhere in Europe. He had a cut on his toes. As small as it seemed, the man gave up the ghost."
'So sad, mum expressed her sympathy.'
'I was wondering, do you advice dad to do periodic checks?'
Yes, he does. Moreover, his wife is a medical officer. He has no option that to go for that. I also carry out several checks on him at times, and advice on the need to consult a doctor.
That's a good one, mum.
'What conditions could have led to the inability of a cut to heal up, thereby degenerating to death, I asked?'
'The only distressing condition is drawn from a case of diabetes. Either acute or less severe one, could lead to this. They are of various types.'
'So, what preventive measures can be taken to avoid being caught in this unpredictable health situation?'
"Although, it could be genetic. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating and exercising well. These are first-hand answers to it. The body weight too, has to be at par with the Body Mass Index (BMI). Regular routine checks will also help to understand one's health status, take precautions, and seek the right care."