Fresh Fridays: Great Expectations

“So what do you want to be when you grow up?” I asked, my eyes focused on the vaccine and supplies in my hands.

“An R.N.” he replied, without hesitation.

I paused and looked up.

The 14 year old stared back at me, just waiting.

“An RN?” I asked (as if I needed clarification). I felt guilty for expecting him to answer a football player.  Usually when I asked teen boys what their plans were after high school, they almost always said they wanted to play football.

Because they assume it’s their only ticket out of poverty. Living in the ghetto and attending failing schools, no one else has told them otherwise.

“Yea, a registered nurse.”

“REALLY? That’s AWESOME,” I gushed. I could not contain my glee.

“Because I want to help people,” he explained.

“And you will, one day,” I affirmed, while tapping bubbles out of the syringe. “Being a nurse is really exciting, and you do get to help a lot of people. But to get there, you have to study hard and do your best in school, okay?”

He nodded. “I will.”

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Currently listening to:

I was thinking last night, that I needed to write the above story down before I forget it.  =) I am always encouraged when others express interest in pursuing nursing; it validates that I’m in the right profession, because I hope others find such joy in caring for patients as much as I do. (Although, there are some days when I do feel like this…)

Meanwhile, there is a hurricane of a virus brewing inside me, throwing 40 mph winds against the walls of my ribcage. My throat is on fire and every breath is a cough. (Uh, I totally feel like this right now!) I’m not getting any relief from meds, but music soothes the burning in my chest and prayer calms my worry. I have been yearning to write for awhile, struggling even with this post, my mind is so foggy…

Anyone want to bring me some pho /kuy theav? I have been eating jook/ baa baa/ congee for days.

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I can’t keep up with blogging daily for a month. It’s so difficult!