How I Knew

I am overwhelmed by the help that has been offered to me by many different people --- from my close friends to acquaintances.
I found a lump in my left breast more than a week ago and I cried to my friend and thought it was the end of the world.
I thought about a million things at once.
I had to work, prepare for my vacation, run some errands, and the last thing that should mess me up was my health.
I immediately had it checked and it turned out to be a gross infection, but if left untreated, it would make me the most miserable person in the world.
I told some friends about this and I didn't expect their response.
Their warm concern for me was proof that I was not alone. I had a family here in Dubai, and if things should go bad they are there, just there.
My closest friends urged me to have it treated and I did.
I had to undergo surgery yesterday, and this left my pocket empty and my brains in shambles.

It was 5 PM when the hospital called me and and informed me that I was to have the operation in an hour. It was the worst time of day to get a cab, because they seem to go in hiding, and the traffic is ridiculous. I had no choice but to walk from Sheikh Zayed to Dyafa Road, where the hospital was.

While walking I was a little depressed that no one was there to take me to the hospital and hold my hand throughout the whole thing. But it was a long walk, and before I reached my destination, I realized that I was wrong in thinking that I was on my own.

My bosses called me up and checked on me and told me that if I needed anything --- absolutely anything --- I could ring them anytime. My colleagues constantly called me up to check on me and said we'd have a nice time once I'm back at work. Ethel gave me a ride after my initial meeting with the surgeon and some of my other friends cheered me up and wished me well. My drunken posse drove me to Dubai so I didn't have to pay any cab fare.

I was still panting when I put on the straight jacket and hopped on the operating table. Dr. Walid cut me up with the help of local anesthesia. Aside from the pain, there was only one thing on my mind: after the operation I would have one ugly breast. I would be considered as damaged goods and men would deem me unfit to become a wife. A proper child-bearing one.

Anyway my paranoia stopped as Dr. Walid declared the surgery over. I observed the blood on the cotton and bandages and let out a sigh of relief. My breast was bleeding, big deal. As long as my health card shared the financial responsibility, by all means just keep on bleeding! It was so strange. Like shopping for groceries, after the surgery I was led to the cashier to settle the payment and afterwards leave the hospital to carry on with my life.

I received a call from Yolanda right after the operation and I was literally moved to tears when I sensed the genuine concern in her voice. She said she and Craig would come and get me. Sherry and Rami came to pick me up right before Yolanda and Craig left to get me, so it all worked out. We ended up having dinner. Never mind that I was the fifth wheel nursing a gross wound.

Though I would probably not be happy with the idea of having another lump, this one definitely showed the kindness of my friends. It showed that I was worth having around, and that I was loved. It was actually better having this lump that going out with someone. Dating keeps you in the dark. it makes you insecure and uncertain about the feelings of a person, whereas this lump equals a montage of faces who surely cared about me.

And I thought it was good timing. In a week I am going home to Manila to spend time with my real family, and or sure they'll ask if someone looked after me in Dubai. Duh, Mama. I have more than one special someone. They come by the dozen.