Some days your day is just going swimmingly, then next thing you know, in a sudden transition worthy of film editing, you’re at the local emergency room awaiting news from a friend.
That was me yesterday. I was settled in to another good day of work when I suddenly get a call from close friend. She’s got a medical emergency that requires me ferrying her to the hospital as soon as possible. What do I do at that moment but drop everything and leave work? I’m immensely appreciative that I work at place where I can leave at the drop of a proverbial hat, no consequences. Any slack from the work I’m responsible for will be taken up by my colleagues (coordinated via Slack, naturally).
That is worth everything. Work will always be there, but the life events of the people close to you - good or bad - will only be there once.
Thankfully the injuries suffered by my friend is not too bad. Wounds will heal and she’ll be just like before in no time. There was a peculiar sensation I discovered during the ordeal during the wait outside of the emergency room. There’s only so much scrolling on the phone I can do while waiting out the multiple hours. So I started to space out and think about whatever comes to mind. That’s when a sort of existential crisis came up: “What the heck am I doing here?” “What day of the week is it?”
“Why did I get picked to have this predicament?” That is a surprisingly selfish thought, especially when I’m not the one with the injury. Of course I have no qualms with assisting a friend (or family) in their time of need. But truth be told: it is still an incredible hassle. The rest of my day have been utterly rearranged. Whatever schedules and routines I’ve got are completely out the window. Again, I’m perfectly willing to help. I guess when you’re outside the hospital waiting for hours for good news, this is the type of thoughts that comes to mind.
Obviously, it’s all part of life. It never goes forever smoothly and happily. We simply have to be up for the challenge. There’s no rewind or reset buttons, no matter that sometimes we wish there is one.
Don’t forget.