The call

My dad called me several times today and left a message, saying someone from the hospital had called.

I called the hospital, and it was a lady who sounded either excited or rushed. She said the doctor had found a date for my surgery - 1 September.

It was all too quick. I was stunned. I didn't know what to say. So you know what you do when you don't know what to do in court? Ask for an adjournment. I said I'd call her back tomorrow.

I stood in my office, leaning against the cupboards and staring out the window and into the horizon. I didn't know what to think. I didn't know what to do. It was something I had planned all along, but I couldn't believe it was going to finally happen. Maybe a part of me had hoped it would never happen.

I ended up going to tell Alanna, since I would need a few days off. I saw her swallow hard. I wonder if my tone was too emotional for her.

I had to tell my family tonight at dinner after gym. I told my dad and sister first. They were ok, they focussed on what needed to be done. When my mom found out, I got the expected "I told you not to kick ball". What good does that actually achieve?

The basic advice I got from my dad and sister were to accept it, instead of waiting a year so that I can choose my own surgeon with private health insurance.