Some seven years ago, in order to spend some quality time with my then thirteen year old daughter, we decided to take up karate. We found a martial arts studio in town that offered an approach we were both comfortable with. We commenced lessons and attended the dojo a minimum of three times per week. We both loved the sense of wellness and the increased physical fitness that regular training brought.
One evening, about three months into our training, we began jujitsu instruction and one aspect in particular; learning how to fall. The evening progressed, as did our abilities, until I launched myself into a fall and had the misfortune of experiencing a misplaced landing. Instead of landing on my right upper back, I landed directly on my right shoulder. At the time it was nothing serious, a slight twinge and some mild discomfort giving no indication of things to come.
We arrived home shortly before nine that evening and the pain in my shoulder had progressively worsened. By 11 that night, I was in agony, could barely move my arm, and my shoulder had ballooned to twice its normal size.
It was time for a trip to the Emergency Department. The problem was how to get there?
My husband was away on business, neither of my kids were licensed drivers, and my car had a manual transmission. I couldn’t move my arm, let alone change gears, and driving that entire distance in first gear was simply unthinkable. I called my neighbour (we’ll call her Jennifer), and explained the situation. Jennifer and I had known each other for about 10 years, had watched each other’s kids grow up, had laughed, gotten drunk, cried, and bitched together. In short, friends, not just neighbours.
She picked me up and drove me to the hospital. We couldn’t believe our good fortune as we hobbled into the Emergency Department; it was deserted. By this time, I was giddy with pain, and the two extra strength Tylenol tablets I had downed earlier were not doing the trick. I was assessed, sent for x-rays and sure enough, some kind of dislocation was evident. I was given a sling, a prescription for stronger pain medication and sent on my way with instruction to make an appointment with my family doctor in the next few days.
Two hours had elapsed since our arrival, and it was now nearing two o’clock in the morning.
It was cold, snowy and very slippery. I was so lightheaded from the pain, I could barely see straight, let alone walk a straight line. Jennifer had her share of physical ailments too, a knee injury in childhood made it difficult at times for her to walk. So there we were. Two forty something women, neither of us in very good shape, and the car was parked at least 400 meters from the exit door.
We looked at each other and Jennifer said “Suck it up honey!” We put our arms around each other and half stumbled, half limped towards her car. The more we staggered and dragged ourselves, the more we started giggling. Halfway through the parking lot, we were in hysterics, our gasps of laughter shattering the early morning quiet. All of a sudden a male voice rang out “Holy shit, ladies. That must’ve been some fight!” Looking over I could see three young men, out on a smoke break. “Yeah, but you should have seen the other guys!” was my reply, as I’d always wanted to use that line, and now I had. The guys snickered and muttered amongst themselves.
We finally made it to the car and I almost passed out I hurt so much
Some time passed and Jennifer said “where’s that prescription?” I handed it to her and she headed into the all night pharmacy. She must have done a good impression of me because not ten minutes later she had my drugs. Home we went. Jennifer made sure I was tucked into bed, safe and sound and drugged to the max. It was 3:30 am
Jennifer had to be up and out of the house by eight the next morning, after first ensuring her four kids had all they needed for the school day.
A few weeks later, when I no longer needed the pain medication, I bought a VERY large bottle of wine, which the two of us polished off over the course of an evening.
Thanks Jennifer. You are a true friend.
Oldedog
55 / Male
Comments: 9
Posted on February 7, 2008, 1:51 pm
An excellent article that reminded me of several times in the past where someone has put themselves out for me. Thanks.
Worldpharmarx
25 / Male
Comments: 1
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