ONE KIND ACT THAT GOT ME THINKING

Today, I sit and reflect on how the first half of 2014 was. I remember the kindness and love that people showed me. The challenges I faced and opportunities that I either took up or let go. The promises I kept and those I did not keep. The goals I achieved and those that I am yet to achieve. But in particular, I remember a simple gesture that changed my life.

Some of my colleagues who visited me at home. Thank you guys

On January 17th this year, I was involved in an accident in which I fractured my left leg. For ten weeks I used crutches. That might sound like a short time but trust me, it was really long. Many colleagues visited me, called me up and sent me really sweet get well soon messages. The compassion exhibited by all my friends was just humbling. I am grateful and indebted to everyone for all your virtual and physical company during that time. One of the acts of kindness that really stands out was when I visited my workplace during my eighth week of recovery. By this time, I was in position to use public means because the cast was reduced to "below knee".

On my way back, I jumped off the taxi from the stage around Clock Tower. For anyone who has been from Kansanga heading to town, you will know how crazy riders and drivers are on this road. I couldn't cross the road because those motorists couldn't give me way. I stood for about five minutes contemplating on how to cross the road. Every time I would try to cross, some reckless motorist appeared and never gave me any chance. Any attempt to cross might have ended in another accident because my speed using crutches was low. After a long wait, a young man came over and greeted me. Like he had been observing whatever I was going through, he says to me, "Let's cross together". Wow, how kind of him!

This young man stands on my right hand side, stops the motorists and let's me pass. He does the same on the other side of the road. What a relief that was! I have never seen anyone do that. Well, except when primary kids are crossing. That guy changed me. His act of kindness transformed me. I do not remember who this guy is but who ever you are, you made me a better person on that day.

         

HOW MY DREAM OF GOING TO "OUTSIDE COUNTRIES" WAS ALMOST SHATTERED

Those things of travelling to "outside countries" can be good to hear about but hectic when preparing to make these trips. So I'm in a meeting with my boss when my phone rings. I move out, pick up this call and the sweet voice on the other end of the line asks, "Am I speaking to Ernest?", "Yes you are madam", I replied. "Please come by our offices tomorrow at 9 O'clcok for a repeat of your TB check up", she announced. When I asked her what the problem was, her simple reply was, "we do not discuss such information over the phone". I froze for a moment. I was dumbfounded and I started shaking in my pants (yes, I did shake). When I got back to the meeting, boss asks "Is everything okay Ernest?", my very brief answer was "Yes". From then on, I do not know what transpired throughout the meeting.

Picture from http://www.lung.ca/tb/abouttb/do_i_have/test.html

By 9 O'clock I was there awaiting my fate. I'm called into a private room and this beautiful lady calmly tells me, ".....your results yesterday were not good and the doctor has asked for a repeat". I took a deep breath, with my face buried in my hands and wondered if God had forsaken me. In the X-ray room, the radiographer does his thing and says to me, "I don't know what they (the doctors) saw yesterday, but let's hope for the best today". He concludes by saying, "I'm sorry my friend. These things happen and unfortunately I can do nothing about it". Really? This guy should have just shut his mouth up. I wasn't in the mood for hearing any consolations from any one. I was then told to come back at 2:00p.m for my final verdict. You can only guess how many prayers I said. 

It is now 2:00p.m and I'm in this air conditioned room. My palms were sweating like I was in a sauna. I took occasional deep breaths. At this point I remember saying to myself, "God, I need a miracle". And that was it. I am called to the doctors room. Something about this doctor; She was kind, sweet, humble, and very loving. "Make yourself comfortable Ernest", she tells me. "There was something unclear about your X-ray yesterday and that's why you were requested to come again today", she began. "It isn't anything to worry about. It was just the shadow of one of your ribs. Everything else is fine", she continued. At this point, I remember closing my eyes and saying "Thank you Lord". She smiled at me and asked me to wait for my "no TB found" certificate at the waiting area. You should have seen the relief on my face. Atleast my dream of going to outside countries is still alive. What happened after getting this certificate is a story for another day...