#1: My memorable childhood

I have had quite a number of interesting experiences happen to me when I was a child, but I'm going to write about the one that affected me the most. I remember I was 10 at the time, it was dusk. I was sitting on the floor of the living room doing my homework on the coffee table when I felt a sharp acute pain on the left side of my face. It was sudden and excruciating. I couldn't move that side of my face either. It was so bad, I laid my head on the table wishing it would go away. It didn't. Eventually I managed to go tell my parents about it. Unable to figure out what might be causing the pain, they brought me to the hospital.

I was immediately admitted upon consulting the doctor. It all happened so fast, a nurse brought me to my ward once I changed into one of their unflattering hospital robes. There were 8 beds, 4 on either side, only 1 wasn't occupied. It was right beside the window panels. The children in the ward were around my age, some younger. I was put on an IV, the injection stung but I was too distracted by the pain in my face. The nurse also gave me some painkillers. My parents helped me get settled and sat with me for about an hour before deciding to leave. My mother insisted on staying the night, but I assured her that I would be fine on my own. She said would come back in the morning with my toothbrush, a few books and other necessities.

This was the first time I spent the night alone. It was around 11pm, almost everyone in my ward were asleep except for a few parents who were spending the night with their children. The painkillers were starting to take affect and the pain in my face was beginning to subside. I got up and made my way to the washroom, dragging the IV pole along with me. Everyone was asleep now. As I left the ward I noticed one particular bed which had Taoist talismans and charms hanging off the bed frame, a little girl sleeping soundly on it, she was extremely pale and thin. Her grandmother (I assumed) was resting on the armchair next to the bed.

When I returned to my bed, I laid on my side and stared out the window. All was dark except for a large crucifix that sat at the top of the church across the street illuminated in neon green. I'm not a christian nor am I a religious person, but I did feel somewhat comforted by it. The doctors administered a CAT scan the next day. They told us they couldn't really find anything strange on the scans and wanted to keep me for another night for further observation even though I could somewhat move that side of my face again and felt little pain. I was scheduled to be released the next day if I showed more improvement. That day I kept looking at the girl on the bed I saw the night before even though i didn't want to invade her privacy, I just couldn't help it. She was so weak she couldn't even walk to the washroom without having to stop every few steps. I felt sorry for her. Her parents looked very upset and troubled, while her grandmother just sat on her chair quietly.

That night I couldn't sleep, I laid on my side staring at the crucifix across the street again. Then I heard the silent shuffling of soft footsteps. I peered over my sheets and saw the girl's grandmother walking towards the windows. She stood still, staring out at the crucifix, then clasped both hands and shut her eyes, I could hear her sobbing softly. For some reason I was touched by her gesture. I realized no matter what religion you identify with, when you truly need help, it doesn't matter who is helping you. When people come to a state of desperation, petty things like, race, religion and creed just do not matter anymore. I found it remarkably beautiful. I watched her pray silently. She abruptly turned and caught me looking at her, tears streaming down her cheeks, she gave me a warm smile and quietly walked back to her grandchild.

I was released the next day, My parents came to fetch me home. I changed out of the hospital robe and into my own clothes and followed my parents out of the ward. I paused in front of the little girl's bed, both the girl and her grandmother were still asleep as it was still early in the morning. I simply looked at them for half a minute and ran after my parents. That was almost 10 years ago, I don't know what happened to the girl. But I'm thankful for the lesson I learnt that night. It changed how I saw the world and taught me not to judge people. I really do hope the girl is alive and well today.