Don't Bug Me! Microfiction Monday

Welcome to Kristin, my newest follower! Well, "new" is incorrect. . .more like "newly declared" as she is my daughter's BFF from college and a supportive reader of Writing in the Buff for a while now. Smart and sweet, she is a daughter of my heart. And I love that God gave her to me with no hours of hard labor involved.

The diversion of Microfiction Monday is especially appreciated by me today. My beloved 87-year-old father-in-law, known as PaPa, is currently hospitalized due to complications stemming from chemotherapy.   The bulk of my time is being spent at the hospital, but this MFM, always a bright spot, is a much relished way to bend my mind in a more cheerful direction.  I took a few minutes to hammer out a couple of short tales. Below are my stories to match the photo, each 140 characters or less.

“You’re so strong, so. . .shiny! Kiss me you fool!” 

“But Tess,” he lamented. “I’m a bug!” 

“No worries!” She declared. “I’m an entomologist!”

* * * * * * * * * *

Mothman found her! But how? 

Then she recalled his attraction to light. 

“Drat!” She cried. “I shouldn’t have gone to work for STARbucks.”

I usually post my microfiction early Monday morning, but Georgia's governor declared a state of emergency due to a severe winter storm dumping snow, sleet and ooh-gobs of ice all over the place. In anticipation of a possible power outage I'm posting my microfiction early. Thanks to Susan at Stony River for hosting and giving me a bright spot in an otherwise icky (and now icy) week.

Stay warm and dry y'all --
Lisa

Gwinnett Medical Center - a Hip Place!

My sister visited this past week and took a misstep on the stairs that resulted in an ER visit and surgery with screws placed for a fractured hip. Recovery won't be a fun time, but she is strong-willed and full of heart, so her success is guaranteed. No worries there. I could go on about that, but I'm hoping that when the meds wear off she'll do her own blog about recovering from hip surgery and you can read it straight from the source. I'll nag her about that.

This post is a serious one about the hospital staff at Gwinnett Medical Center here in gorgeous (and traffic laden) Gwinnett County, Georgia. The staff at this facility has been outstanding, from the ER check-in attendant to the nurses and tech staff. Even the physicians--with the exception of one arrogant cardiologist--have been attentive and forthcoming.

Spending time in a hospital is never pleasant, but a caring, friendly staff certainly eases the emotional burden carried by the patient and family members. In the four days (and counting) that my sis has been laid up and hurting, I have yet to encounter a grouch. Our every request and question has been met with a smile and the follow-through of a timely response.

It has been a long few days with more long days ahead; but thanks to the staff of Gwinnett Medical Center (yeah, yeah, yeah...I sound like a cheesy commercial, but I swear I'm not being paid off) I feel confident that my sister's recovery and transition to home care will be handled efficiently and well. Just knowing that--believing that--relieves a lot of stress.

I don't know what they are putting in the coffee at the employee lounge over there, but it must be some pretty terrific stuff.

Thank you GMC -
Lisa