September 4, 2007 - I'm Curious

Today was "Meet the Plastic Surgeon Day". During the weeks leading up to this appointment, I hadn't given it much thought. Just figured it would be a nice, informative meeting with the doc. What I wasn't prepared for was The Waiting Room. I'm reminded of the cafeteria in high school. Every eye upon you. "Please, Lord, don't let me trip and spray Wham Surprise* and Stripples** all over the Goddess in front of me."

Mel's appointment was at "1:50p". I say that with quotes, because I'm not sure why they even give you a time. You're going to spend the day there anyway, they should just tell you to come in the morning and they'll fit you in eventually. Pack a lunch! Bring the fam! Let's make a day of it! Sorry, I digress.

I entered The Waiting Room at approximately one thirty and change. Sure, every eye was on me, but I'm used to that. I sauntered over to the magazine rack, deftly thumbed through the Better Homes & Gardens and People, and settled on a more masculine Travel magazine. I chose a seat with some breathing room and proceeded to wait for Mel and try to read. I didn't realize how hard that would be.

Turns out, I'm curious. Why are these people here? The guy with the nose was a no-brainer, but there was also a man there with his teenage son. Across from me was a grandmother, mother and pre-teen son playing Nintendo. Next to them was a mother with her daughter, about my age (21 for future reference). We were all sitting there in The Waiting Room like a bowl of mixed nuts. Each one with their own shape and flavor. Whenever a new specimen arrived, we'd all gawk and wonder what they were in for.

Mel entered The Waiting Room around 1:40p and walked the gauntlet. She's so confident and focused, I don't think it even fazed her. On top of that, she had paperwork to do and probably didn't notice my inappropriate musings. At 2:15p we were finally ushered into the exam room. At 2:32 I made the idiotic comment, "Hey, if they wait 18 more minutes, it will have been an hour!" They waited 18 more minutes.

Dr. Shulman came in and gave a play by play of what to expect before, during and after surgery. I'm not terribly excited about the whole thing, and neither is Mel. Obviously it's necessary, important and life-saving. At the same time it's inconvenient, sucky and nerve-wracking. As the day of surgery gets closer, I can tell Mel is more and more anxious. I can't imagine the anticipation of something so invasive to look forward to. She's strong, and I know everything will turn out for the best, but I ache for her. I wish I could do it for her. But the doctor assures me that's impossible.

So, with one week to go, Melisa is working more than ever in preparation for the time off she needs to take. All three kids are starting school this week. My business is officially moved and opens tomorrow. And everything seems to be falling into place. God has a plan. I'm still trying to figure out what it is. But we're here for the ride and we'll see where it takes us. As we take the time to be still, and listen, we'll figure where that is and be better off for it.

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* Think beef gravy on toast, but weirder and yummier somehow.

** Fake bacon made out of ??