Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Royal fever



I don’t know about you but I have been following up the Royals story. Ever since Kate got engaged with Prince William, I have been living on fantasy world. I mean, how many females can have so much luck like Kate? A simple commoner ending up with the Prince just as we have been dreaming of ever since we were little girls from reading fairy tales. They got married almost two years ago and seemed to have the best of marriages.

Last week, they were blessed with a beautiful baby boy and the media has gone crazy with the news.  I mean, who wouldn’t? I know sometimes the attention can be too much but what the hell? Who cares? It was on a Saturday reading one of those tabloid magazines which is filled with pictures from the day William and Kate went to the hospital to the presentation of the baby to the world. The pictures were really beautiful.

“Hey, so what’s new with the celebrities?” Fred asked sitting next to me. He was from the barbers.

“Same old…but there are pictures of the new baby William and Kate had.” I replied showing him the magazine.

“Oh, let me see.” He said taking the magazine and scrutinizing the pictures.

“Has Kate already had the baby in this one?” he asked pointing to one showing them holding the baby on the steps of the hospital.

“Yes, can’t you see the child?” I replied.                       

“And how comes she has a big tummy?” he asked looking confused.

I laughed. Fred cannot be this shallow.

“The stomach does not immediately go ‘flat’ once you give birth. It takes time.” I explained to him.

“Huh? But the baby is already out, what is in there?”

“Fred, really?” I said getting tired of his silly questions.

“But..” he started.

“You won’t understand. It’s a bit complicated.” I said.

My phone buzzed. It was my mother on the line. I answered the phone and talked to her. She was checking up on me since it has been weeks since my surgery. I assured her I was better and had even gone for a follow up and everything was fine. She was doing fine too and she had finally moved to the city. Although I had reservations on her moving her, it was going to do her good as she would be busy and be able to connect with her relatives more easily.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Holiday?



“Baby, we need to go for a holiday.” I said.

“What?” Fred asked.

“I think we can do a holiday. I need a break from all these stuff, from the ‘normal’ life.” I said trying to make the quotes from my hand in the air.

“Where is this coming from?” he asked confused.

“I don’t know. I just feel like we need to get away and go somewhere where and relax.” I said.

“Kate, are you trying to make yourself forget what happened? And we went for vacation just a few months ago during our honeymoon.”

“I know.”                                

“We are a bit short on cash especially since we used some of our cash on your hospital expenses. I hope you remember that the insurance didn’t cover all the bills at the hospital.”

“I remember.” I said slowly feeling defeated.

“Don’t worry dear, we will plan one soon.” He said kissing my forehead.

We then prepared ourselves then drove over to Ann’s and Mike’s house. While I was in hospital, the baby, Brad, had been baptized in one of the local churches around our area. Today, we were invited for a Sunday brunch to celebrate. I was dressed in a white dress that reached just above the knee. Fred was on dressed in white shorts, black t-shirt and a basketball cap. The weather was just too hot!

Ann was really excited to see us. She was at the front door ready to welcome us into the house. We were ushered in with a glass of chilled red wine which seemed too perfect for the weather. Mike was on the couch holding the little precious one. He was fast asleep but didn’t seem disturbed with the commotion. I was about to sit down but Ann grabbed my hand and directed me into the kitchen.

“How are you?” she asked.

“I’m okay, what about you?”

“We are all doing well. I am really glad that you are okay. I’m really sorry I couldn’t come visit you at the hospital or at home.”

“I understand, besides I was the one who asked Fred not to tell you guys.” I replied. “It was unfortunate but glad we are okay.”

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Healing



The next three days were really long and uncomfortable for me. Lying all day looking up the white ceiling and the silence of the hospital made me feel more sick. The nurses did their rounds as if it was clockwork. They came at six in the morning, at ten, during lunch hour and in the evening.  Some of the people in the ward that I was in left and we remained only two of us alongside another elderly woman. Luckily for me, Fred and mum never left my bedside. I also received other visitors like my brother and his family who brought me beautiful flowers each time they came. Fred had also informed Ann and Mike. Although Ann wouldn’t make it, Mike came to see me the day I was being discharged. It’s good to have people around you that you can count on when in need.

Fred took me home and cared for me like a baby. The helped me bath which was a task since my lower tummy ached. He also helped feed me by preparing fruits and blending them. He also ensured that the bed was always made, the house clean and had a constant supply of movies to watch so that i couldnt get bored.

Without his help, I am not sure how I would have done it. The emotional support was the real deal for me. I cried a lot. The pain of losing the baby was too much but I also thanked God for giving me another chance to live. Deep in my heart, I thought maybe it a punishment for the abortion that I did over a year ago. Was I experiencing karma? I had gotten rid of a baby but when I really needed one, I lost it.  I wasn’t ready for it then so I decided on the easier way. Fred also spoke about it with so much difficulty and expressed how he truly felt. He actually shed a tear! He was sorry that it had happened the way it did. He also added that we give ourselves time to heal before we decide to try again.

I spent a total of two weeks at home before returning back to work. I didn’t do much work as my colleagues tried all their best to help me around. Some of them had visited my house to see me and they brought along flowers, card and a letter from my boss who passed her message to me. Everyone was really helpful.

Monday, July 8, 2013

After Surgery



It was all blurry when I woke up. The light above the bed was so bright that I couldn’t help keep my eyes open. I closed them for a minute before I heard a voice whispering to me. The voice called out my name again and I opened my eyes. Was I dreaming? No…

“Catherine…”          

This time, the voice was so much louder. I turned my head to the left and tried to open my eyes more. I followed the voice and saw my mum. She sat on a chair next to me and smiled when I looked at her.  She stretched her hand and felt my forehead.

“Welcome back my child.” She whispered and gave me a kiss on the face.

I smiled back sheepishly.

I looked at the room where I was in. White ceiling, white walls, a drape, a T.V at one corner of the room and some flowers on the table near the bed is what I could notice.  I didn’t see what I was looking for. I looked at my mum once again and she seemed to understand what I wanted.

“Fred is coming any moment now. He has gone to the washrooms.” She said patting my hand that was accessorized with a syringe connected to some machines.

At that very moment, the door opened and Fred walked in carrying two coffee cups. He was surprised to see me awake. He quickly put down the drinks on the table and came to the bed where he tried to hug me but it was so awkward. I tried raising myself up to hug him properly but I felt excruciating pain in my stomach so I slanted back.

“Are you okay baby?” Fred asked.                   

“Ouch!” I shouted.

“I’m so sorry. Can we call the doctor?” Mum asked nervously.

“No, it’s okay.” I said trying not to raise the alarm despite the pain. I put my hand inside the gown and touched my stomach. There was a huge bandage placed near my bikini area.

“How are you feeling?” Fred asked.

“Sleepy.” I answered.

“That’s from the medicine from the surgery. You will get over it soon.” He added.

“I thought you were not going to make it.” I said.

“I’m so sorry. Traffic was a mess coming here but I tried my best.”

“Thank you.”  I said “And mum, thanks for your help.”

You are welcome my baby.” She replied.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

3 Hours



After a few minutes of trying to compose myself, I called Fred. He had to know about this and be close to me as much as possible. I needed him now more than ever.

“Hey dear…” I called.

“Yes Kate, how are you? I have been expecting you back here.” He responded.

“I know and am so sorry about the delay but something came up.” I said.

“What is it?”

“Can you make to came over here please?” I asked.

“Kate, what is going on?” he asked.

“I am at the hospital dear. The one near my mum’s place. You remember it?”

“What is it?”

“I can’t tell you over the phone. Can you please come over?”

“Okay, let me sort some things then am on my way.”

We hang up and I went to the waiting room with mum to wait. The doctor came and informed us that he had set up the surgery in three hours. I crossed my fingers hoping that Fred would make it to see me before I go in.  I had the urge to text Ann and share with her the sad news but thought that it would cause her so much stress considering she had a new baby. Waiting for someone when you have so little time seems like eternity.  I kept looking at the watch after every minute thinking the time would change but nah!

“Catherine, you have to be prepared for surgery.” The nurse called out.

Three hours were over already? Damn! I was getting nervous…my hubby hadn’t shown up yet. I was going in for a major surgery and he was not anywhere near here. I tried his cell again but he just said he was on his way. I looked at the two nurses in front of me and could tell I couldn’t be given more time. I hugged my mother with tears streaming down my face. Mum said a prayer for me then I followed the nurses to the other room.