One of my dearest sisters is lying in the ICU of PGH for encephalitis. The news came as a shock and I almost wept to tell myself this is reality and not a bad dream (because it has been a while since I had one). I informed her batchmate in the sorority and a couple of sisses who I know are in Manila. She is badly in need of blood donors.

I remember her as vibrant, outgoing and witty. These are the reasons she was one of the sisses I grew closest to after joining the sorority. Another would be my high school friend's sister being her org mate and blocmate. Six degrees of separation, so they say. I haven't seen her for quite some time and I find it terrible to see her again in her present condition.

I have a confession. I don't deal with illnesses that well. My body's initial reaction is denial. I don't visit the sick in the hospital. I don't like hospitals. Except maybe for the nursery, I despise hospitals. I can't say why, I just do. When my Mum had her reproductive system removed, I merely visited her once - for about half an hour. Inevitably misunderstood as not caring, it is one weakness (fear?) I pray I could get over soon.

When I had my check-up Monday of last week (in Healthway Shang which TG doesn't resemble a hospital), I was delighted to know that for the very first time, I had normal blood pressure. I have always had low blood pressure, somewhat due to my anemia. For the very first time, I was eligible to donate blood. BUT, I still can't because my blood is still contaminated with cannabis sativa. Pssshhh... So, anyone, please be a good samaritan and share your blood for my sis.

******************************
*.* as if! @ 11:15:00 AM • • RBJ