I need a Coke...

When I was around 6 years old, I remember my mom taking me to the hospital where my Aunt was an Attending Physician. It was actually the hospital where I was born. It wasn't that long after we returned to Thailand from our 3-ish year stint in California after my dad completed his Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary. Honestly, I don't remember very much from this period of my life. Moving from California back to Thailand was one of the few memorable events, however, this particular day at the hospital was etched forever in my memory.

It was a routine physical. I think I was just getting a check-up for school. I met with the doctor or maybe a nurse, opened my mouth and said "Ah," they looked in my ears and nose, checked my eyes, etc. . I could hear some other kids crying in the next room, but not me. I thought I was brave and I didn't cry. The physical wrapped up after a little while and I was led to another room with a few chair, where another kid about my age sat. I thought my visit was done. Then, I saw it.....a needle. The nurse is getting a shot ready. She stuck the needle in a little bottle, then tapped the syringe and squirted a little bit out on the top to make to the dosage was correct. At this point, it didn't even cross my mind that the needle was for me.....it must be for that kid sitting across from me. I wasn't panicking, I even felt a little smug.....I knew that poor kid was about to cry.

The needle was ready. She started walking towards the other kid then all the sudden, she made a turn for me. Now, I was panicked. This wasn't supposed to happen. I didn't know that I was going to get a shot. We all know what happened next----I got the shot. I cried. I don't remember what point my mom came in the room, I just knew she was beside me and I was inconsolable.

We walked out of the hospital (I was still crying ) and headed to a little shop down the road. My mom bought me a Coke. A cold bottle of Coke. The shop keeper popped off the cap, stuck a straw in the bottle and handed it to me. I drank Coke and I stopped crying.

Today, after getting lost around Decatur, I finally made it to the Travel Immunization clinic. 4 vaccines, a Malaria prophylaxis prescription and a very sore arm later.......even though I didn't cry, I think I need a Coke.