The supervising doctor in the Emergency Room sat with Mom and me in our little curtained cubicle. She reviewed the resident’s medical work-up of my mother. “What’s your relation?” she asked. “Sisters?”
I smiled and waited for her to look up from the chart and wink. After all, Mom was 38 when I was born. Sure, second and third marriages generate some surprising age ranges among today’s step-siblings. But 38 years? Would she look up and wink, already?
Her question hung in the air. Seriously? I looked like a seventy- or eighty-something? Granted, it was early; I hadn’t showered. But sisters?
“I’m her daughter,” I said. She shrugged. “I never make assumptions.”
I’ll use this someday, in some piece of writing. But my character will be edgier. For starters, she’ll say, “Gee, your assessment skills suck.”
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Hi, MJ!
ReplyDeleteI just logged on, before dropping into bed for the night. Haven't checked your blog (or anyone else's!) for a while. I'm so glad I did! You made me laugh - maybe the only laugh I've had all day! Thanks for the story, and for blogging!
Oh, and NO - you do NOT look like a 70 year old woman. For Pete's Sake!
Eileen
How rude that assessor was!! You do NOT look that old. I actually think you look much YOUNGER than your actual age.
ReplyDeleteeileen and anon -- yay for friends!! :)
ReplyDeleteIf her assessment skills are so bad, what can we say about her medical assessments? Ask for a replacement :)
ReplyDelete