The little girl that changed my thoughts

By the time this reaches homes and newsstands this weekend, I’ll have had a meeting with the professionals at one of the state’s largest medical centers.

I’ve been meeting with them for months getting ready for this surgery I was scheduled to have on Thursday. They’re going in to repair my “ticker.” I’ve known for a while there was a problem and now after tests, the surgery is set.

And, to say the least, I am ready for that to happen. If not to rid my body of certain food groups, then the possibility of getting some sleep at night. Food doesn’t taste good without seasonings!

So I’ve been making trips to the big city and meeting with medical pros and following directions given for this date to happen. My last encounter with them was a week ago. I had four appointments that one day, and with a five-hour wait between my first and second appointments.

And, it was during that time slot that I probably gained a bit of assurance as to just what can be done medically today. And, it was all by spite.

While sitting in the waiting room, with lab work next on the schedule, I happened to sit down next to a young mother who was holding her daughter. A pretty, little girl about three to four years old who had a sort of sad look on her face.

So me and little kids, I tried to cheer up the little blonde with ringlets in her hair, chubby cheeks, blue eyes and a couple of dimples that reacted when I got her to smile.

I simply kept waving at her with my fingers and soon the dimples appeared with a little smile popping out of that cute little face. She was a doll!

“She’s not much for smiling,” her mom said to me. “Especially not today as it is her shot day.”

I replied by saying that I had to go in for a shot, too. I had to do lab work, which would result in the draw of 10 vials of blood and end by peeing in that plastic cup!

I don’t think she understood, but Mom did.

But then it really hit me and hit hard when Mom told me the history of the cute little one. She had spent the first nine months of her life in a Twin Cities hospital where she received a heart transplant. And, to add to that, she also suffered two strokes following the transplant.

Now, if that doesn’t hit you hard, nothing will or does. A young girl like that and what she has been through, already. I had to turn away for a moment to regain myself, wondering just how and why that could happen. But it did.

For the remainder of my waiting for my appointment, it was all I could think of. My mind went back in time remembering the births and lives of my four children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, most without incident. It really makes one think.

But soon the Mom and daughter stood up and she said her ride was out front as the valet service drove to the front door. And as they were walking out, the Mom turns to me and said, “Thanks for visiting, have a Merry Christmas.”

Wow, now that sent me for a loop especially knowing what those two had gone through while I’m in line to get stuck with a needle and pee in a cup. Is life fair?

Soon my time waiting was up and the call came for my lab appointment and was prepared for the draw. When the nurse brought out all of the empty vials it really didn’t phase me as my mind was still far away from the procedure I was having.

And, as I was leaving the lab for my next appointment, I couldn’t help thinking how lucky I have been . . . and hopefully will be after the surgery.

It just places one in a different perspective, especially knowing what that little one went through just to be here today.

I will never forget her, those blue eyes and the two little dimples.

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“Ya learn something new every day.” Something that’s as close as my own back yard.

I just learned this past fall there is a hunting season for tree squirrels. I think that’s what I feed and have been feeding for years. But I don’t shoot them.

From the N.D. Game and Fish I learn that squirrel season opens Sept. 10 and closes Feb. 28. The daily limit is four, possession limit is 12.

No need to worry around my house. The streets and avenues 10th and 11th are taking care of the daily limits.

Hey squirrels, look before you cross the streets!!

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From the Internet:

I was meeting a friend at a bar, and as I went in, I noticed two pretty girls looking at me.

“Nine,” I heard one whisper as I passed.

Feeling pleased with myself, I swaggered over to my buddy and told him a girl had just rated me as a 9 out of 10.

“I don’t want to ruin it for you,” he said, “but when I walked by them just a little while ago, they were speaking German.”

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“Parting Shot: Listen dude . . . no matter how loud you crank the bass, it’s still a minivan.”