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Show 205 This has been a rough hospital stay. I have overdosed more times than I can remember. The times I have been bagged, however, I have counted - eleven in all. And I have under-dosed with equal opportunity and agony. I am going home on a very low dose of Baclofen, with lots of various oral medications to augment its action, the hope being that the dura will finally heal without much pressure from so much incoming intrathecal medication. And now I have a Teddy bear to help me on. I look up from Hope into the faces of these two young nurses. They are hopeful as well. With Hope tucked under one arm, I wrap my other around each of them, especially hugging Dawn good-bye, wishing her well wherever she goes. They are leaving my room and I am getting ready to go home, waiting for Hy to come. Hope will not be packed in the various bright blue plastic sacks holding my belongings, lumped here and there around the room. She will remain in my arms. I am much too old to be holding a Teddy bear, much too pragmatic to believe in such symbols. But their gesture has touched me and Hope remains in my arms, clasped to my heart. After all is said and done, perhaps Hope will abide after all. |
