Reminiscing

When I was about five years old, I came down with diphtheria,an acute bacterial infection that is chacterized by weakness and high fevers. It also causes a tough, membrane-like obstruction that interferes with the breathing passages. I had quite a long hospital stay.

I remember lasping into a coma after I had been there almost a month. But, I also remember hearing my Great Grandmother yelling and screaming to the doctors that I was dead. When she realized that I was still alive, Great Grandma calmed right down. The point here is that even in a comatose state, the hearing is as sharp as ever in some individuals. I could hear, but could not respond.

The day the doctors dismissed me, my mother and uncle, who had come to take me home, were headed out the door when they realized I wasn't following behind them. I could not walk. The doctors did not give me therapy on my legs or feet before I was to go home. My uncle carried me to the car, and into the house when we reached home. I relearned to walk by pushing a chair in front of me and holding on while I made small steps. Where there's a will, a way will be made!