ER Waiting Room Late at Night

October 2007, my mother had a sharp pain in her side just below her ribs on her right side, so I drove her to the Emergency Room. My mom was one of 'those people' who never got sick, and when she did manage to find herself ill,she very rarely agreed to seek medical attention. My brother Ricky, Krissie (my oldest child), and I took turns sitting in the little curtained off area with mom while the other of us sat in the waiting room with Kaylan (my youngest child). The ER physician ordered so many tests, to try and determine the cause of Mom's unbearable pain. Of course, this took all night (yes all night, we did not leave until just before daylight the next day). Mom had such a difficult time getting onto the x-ray table, and laying down for the x-rays was excruciatingly painful for her, but she was a good patient and did just as she was told. Finally all the tests came back, and the doctor called me in, only to tell me that they couldn't find any reason for her pain, and to follow up with a General Care Doctor.  He did give Mom a shot, to ease her discomfort until she was able to be examined at a later date.

While in the waiting room this night... my brother, the girls and I had the most unusual conversation with another person who was also waiting for a family member. This person was a 'morgue worker' (not sure what they are called) and Krissie and Kaylan had the most fun asking him all these questions about his job. That night, I learned more than any person who is not in the funeral industry needs to know about cadavers and autopsies. Krissie was especially chagrined to learn how they peel the skin back over the head for autopsies. (like peeling a banana, so he said). I am not sure if Krissie and Kaylan kept asking their questions because they was truly interested or because they enjoyed watching my brother's face turn white.