Sam’s Big Gift: Part 2
Ok folks, time for the rest of our mini family crisis story! If you’re unaware of what happened or just need a recap, start off by reading Sam’s Big Gift: Part 1 first, then come back here for the rest.
Last time I left off when the paramedics entered the room, so I that’s where I’ll pick it up. Melissa and I are lying in our bed, side by side, both of us in our pyjamas with wet face cloths on our foreheads and a pile of blankets at our feet when they step into the room. The paramedics, we’ll call them Jack and Jill, were immediately smiling at the sight of us and quickly apologized for doing so, explaining that they found us to be too cute not to smile. Assuring them that we weren’t insulted but would appreciate their
help as well as their good humor, they took the hint and proceeded to introduce themselves and ask us a series of symptom, medical and family history questions. They then took our vitals while easily chatting with my Dad, who had come to take care of Sam, and Melissa’s sister Myriam, who was going to follow us to the hospital. They explained to us that the big concern is that we were suffering from dehydration and they strongly recommend we see a doctor, preferably a hospital.
I was feeling relatively OK by that point, my last visit to the porcelain throne had been about 90 minutes earlier and, although my body was very weak, my stomach was feeling stronger. So, I pushed for them to take Melissa because she wasn’t doing good, but Jill cut me off like a neutered dog saying that since we both fell ill around the same time, we both had to go. This would ensure we were sick with the same thing, whether it be viral or food poisoning or something more sinister which they only referred to as a “mediacized public health emergency”. That was, of course, bull. We all new they were talking about the MapleLeaf meat virus outbreak thingy that’s been on the news for a couple weeks now: Listeriose.
So taking no chances not knowing what made us sick, we both shuffled off to the parked ambulance outside. Did I mention that Jack & Jill were both bigger and heavier than myself? I’m not judging, it’s more of a relief actually. I was suffering from dizzy spells, weak limbs and light headedness as soon as I sat up. I am 6 foot 2 inches tall and weight around 193 pounds. If I los
e it and pass out in the stairs, no one I know would’ve been able to catch me, but Jill gripped my elbow tight and I knew without a doubt that she would swing me up on her shoulder if she had to. As embarrassing as it was to shuffle out of my house, being held up by a hefty paramedic, in my pyjamas, wearing socks and sandals, holding a puke bag, to an ambulance parked in the middle of the street, around midday, with mothers and their children walking about and nosy neighbors peeking through their windows, it could have been worse if I was slung over her shoulder. So I gathered my strength and made to the ambulance. Jack & Jill only had one stretcher, which I was glad Melissa got, else she might’ve suffered the above humiliation. So I took the bullet. I’m used to it, I’m a guy and I humiliate myself all the time anyway. 
I guess we can consider ourselves lucky that our first ambulance ride was together. Me sitting in a chair, clutching a barf bag wondering if it was big enough, and Melissa lying in front of me strapped tightly on the stretcher, chatting away with Jill like little school girls back from a boyband concert. What the hell? Wasn’t Melissa sick and in pretty bad shape? Here she is talking and laughing with Jill, just layin’ back enjoyin’ the ride! I’m sitting there, no seat belt, knuckles white, face pale like a Jackson family member, trying to line up my lips with the bag. The bouncing, speeding ambulance, not to mention the trampoline that I mistook as a seat, didn’t help my stomach achieve the calm, relaxed state required to feel better. Suddenly Jill breaks off the conversation to look at me and give me a quick “You OK? We can switch you onto the stretcher if you want?”. Being the proud bastard that I am, I look at her and say I’m fine. She seems happy and gabs it up a little more with Melissa. I roll my eyes and put my head between my knees anxiously waiting the moments we arrive at the hospital. During the ride, we find out that Jack & Jill are actually a couple and are engaged to be married this November! They were both very nice and professional people, and Melissa and I wish them the best for their upcoming life together. 
We arrived at the hospital in about 12 minutes. As it turns out, Jack’s a pretty good freaking driver, cause the hospital is about 25 minutes away! I didn’t blow any chunks and am pretty proud of myself for it. Take that stomach! A small victory in a landslide of losses…yay. Melissa and I made it to the hospital where a looong afternoon awaited us, we just didn’t know it yet.
That’s it for now folks, check back soon for part 3 of: Sam’s Big Gift!
Thanks for reading!
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