Tuesday, July 28, 2009

How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?

Someone I told about the nuns in the radiation waiting room sang this little line from The Sound of Music. I was officially initiated today in the waiting room. Sister Marie sat me down and told me she was going to tell me the rules and that if I ever break any of them, I will be required to make a monetary donation to her 18-wheel truck bank. (No piggy bank for Sister Marie.)

Rule #1 - Always, always wear my name tag in the waiting room and make sure Jon wears his too. Failure to do so carries a fine of at least a nickle per violator.

Rule #2 - Never, never say "My number's up" when my number pops up on the electronic display to show me it's my turn for radiation. Instead, I must say, "Bingo!" - "like you've just won $16,000." (Sister Marie's words.) Failure to show proper enthusiasm also carries a fine of at least a nickle.

Rule #3 - Never, never, NEVER sit in Sister Marie's chair. Violation requires a donation of folded green stuff to the bank. Nickles are not accepted in such cases. Sister Owen told me I could sit in her chair anytime I wanted. Sister Marie said Sister Owen doesn't have any backbone.

Rule #4 - Sister Marie may deliver corporal punishment to any misbehaving patient or patient's family member at her discretion. "You can sue me if you want." She keeps a giant fly swatter handy - her "people swatter" - and I hear that she does use it.

10 comments:

Donna said...

Hilarious!

Running Artist said...

sounds like some ladies I ought to know!! I wonder if they'd come to my office on request?

Anonymous said...

What a riot! I am glad that they add some humor and fun to your day. We're still praying for you and asking God to do "exceeding abundantly" above what we can even imagine. Love to all of you! Steph & co.

Ashley McCall said...

They sound hilarious! I wish I lived close enough that I could go with you some morning...they sound like a hoot!

Rachel in VA said...

What a laugh! Thank you so much for sharing that. I can picture those two! Love to you.
Uncle Jim & Aunt Rachel

Perry, Becca, Simon and Lukas said...

Too funny- Maria sounds like a real card. I'm glad you continue to share your daily life w/ all of your readers. You rock! Anyway- we're definitely at the NICU reunion on the 8th- would love to coordinate the times, so we're able to see your family too. What time are you guys planning on being there?

Also- we're praying for you sooo much and know you've got test results today and tomorrow. Much love to you guys.

Alicia said...

She rocks!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It has been great to know God is giving special pockets of joy to your days, even through radiation! We are praying much for you with your appointment today and tomorrow.

Ruth Bustamante

...the "other" Amy Bixby said...

ROFL!!! I want to be like them when I grow up! It would be so much fun to brighten people's days like that!

thefedssc said...

Rejoicing with you over your great PET scan report. Your radiation news was hilarious. I remember my girls being so perky and encouraging each day. They become like family since you are there so often and for so many weeks.