Stick it up your nose!

I've been hanging out with Mum rather often lately. Maybe that's because we only have each other for company when the rest goes off to work or goes out to play. How unsociable and hermit-like the two of us are, I simply couldn't deny.

I am also getting better at driving that once-traumatising manual automobile of Dad's. Now, Mum would happily chat away in the passenger seat as I chauffeur her around. Whether that is a good thing or not, I have yet to decide.

The clinic was packed with impatient-looking patients. Good thing our appointment had been made the day before and our doctor did not have as many patients as the other. Mum's nose had been acting up for the last 3 weeks. We sure did the right thing by coming in to the specialist today for "she has a very serious case of infection", the doctor said.

As Mum sat in front of the doctor for his examination, I realised one thing - everyone (even our mothers) is afraid of the doctor. Some may be afraid of the needle or the blood. Some may be afraid of taking medication. Or some may be afraid of the doctor prodding them with medical devices that seem to originate from Mars. But mostly - I believe - everyone is afraid of the news the doctor may deliver.

Mum was undoubtedly afraid. I would be too if someone were to poke this long tube up my nostril and suck out whatever mucus I have in there. Yes, the six-inch needle-like tube was intimidating and the mucus that came out was disgusting. But, it was a relief to know that Mum is going to be fine.

My occasional short excursions with Mum are becoming a lot more enjoyable than I could wish for. Somehow, being away from those same four walls that we face everyday has done both of us some good.