I’m five and a smidge days out of gallbladder removal surgery, and only now do I feel like things are settling down. I’m sore, but I can get dressed, shower and get out of bed by myself. I’m tired, but I can make it through the day without taking a nap. I’m not eating much, but I’m eating normally for me.
Yay for swift recoveries, huh?
The funny thing about this whole thing is that I have felt an itch to write like I haven’t had in a long time. Once again, life has shown me that inspiration is everywhere.
I don’t think I’ll ever write about a character who has their gallbladder removed (who knows?), but that is only the most direct inspiration I could take from all this. There is so much more above and beyond that. Let me give you an example:
The people I met at the hospital were interesting and amazing, all in their own rights. One nurse truly stands out, though.
He’s a quiet guy from India, not that much older than me (in his mid to late twenties). With an average height and fit body, you probably wouldn’t pick him out as anyone special on the street. He has an easy smile, but he doesn’t laugh a lot. He is a Quiet Observer of life – so much so that you have to concentrate to even think of giving him a label.
And yet, this young man appears to be a born carer. Even the gentlest of the other nurses are nothing compared to him and his gentle touch. Giving medication, taking blood, taking out stitches… All is done not just with caring of hands but caring in his demeanor. He’s not perfect, but any perceived pain caused – even if unavoidable – is met with a genuine apology.
I wonder how he came to be this incredible carer with gentleness in his very movements…
Now how is that for a character portrait. And this is a real nurse I met who took care of me at the hospital. While I am being descriptive of him, I am not exaggerating.
I have never met a gentler nurse.
And, of course, that is just the beginning for interesting people I met there. The three men I was placed with in the hospital room (funnily enough, not uncomfortable for a second for me) were all distinct personalities. The nurse who insisted on interviewing me again because she didn’t like how the notes were taken by another nurse. A spunky young Italian nurse who laughed a lot but always seemed to be distracted by something. The two surgeons who did everything in their power to make me comfortable with what turned out to be an unavoidable surgery.
This is just the beginning and also only the inspiration I found in the people. This post is long enough as it is without me getting into the surroundings or the operation experiences.
Inspiration is everywhere if you just look.
Anywho, I have a fun promotional opportunity for the new year. I’m working on a new blog called “Life in the First Draft” that focuses on – yep, you guessed it – anything and everything to do with the first draft. Be it making time to write, those funky little writer habits you have or just the fun things you have on your desk, I’m looking to create a comfortable hub for any and all aspiring writers. (And for established writers as well! We have to go back and face that first draft again and again…)
