Wednesday, January 16, 2008

To the Unknown Man in 27G

It's not you; it's me. Really. Don't blame yourself.

The reason I treated you like you had the plague was because, well, I do. Or did. I've treated it now.

Having a very sick Haitian daughter who was just released from the hospital and holding her for a week while she tried to recover means that you can pick up what she has. Including scabies. A gift that keeps on giving.

I've traveled a fair amount. Never before today has it ever occurred to me to worry about whether the person next to me - a complete stranger - was transporting little bugs on their skin. Believe me, I was much more anxious to get home than you were and I think I did a good job of avoiding all contact with you.

So, maybe I made you feel like a freak when I pulled very far away every time you shifted. It's OK. Really. You're not a freak. And now, hopefully, you're also scabies-free.

Next time you're on a plane, sleep well... And may dreams of what microscopic visitors your fellow passengers are carrying not dance in your head.

3 comments:

Char said...

Poor guy. Or poor gal? Oh what joy! Love your sense of humor about it, though.

Cara said...

Oh, I so totally could relate to your post. Coming back from Haiti the last time, with my hemorrhaging eyeballs, I was like a little cocooned person in my seat. With my sunglasses on, at 10 o'clock at night. I just felt like typhoid Cara.
I am so glad that you had a great visit. When are you going back?? I am planning an April/May trip this time.
Cara

Lori said...

Cara,
I'm not sure when we can afford to go back and I'm also not sure how long I can stand to stay away!! I'm sure you know what I mean!

I loved Granny Bin's update and I can hardly believe how tiny Jenite is!!! Oh my word! What a dainty little thing.

Here's to praying we can soon get these kids home and get them healthy!

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