My phone said the caller was a nearby children's hospital, and so I swiped right expecting a fund drive of some sort. But, I am also a parent and a grandparent and an aunt and I was a bit scared at the same time. My mind went to warp speed as I had donated to the December drive, even if it was a bit less than the year before, and maybe I forgot to sign my check, or did I Venmo, but it was March?
"Are you the parent or guardian of XXXX?" he asked directly without the typical telemarketer wait time? I held my breath and my heart skipped a beat or two or perhaps even three. The name was not familiar, but I asked him to repeat because I wasn't sure I was able to hear without breathing.
"Are you the parent or guardian of XXXX?" he repeated, a bit annoyed because he was trying to reach someone probably with important, perhaps even life changing information, and perhaps he was a busy doctor or nurse anesthesiologist or maybe the critical discharge planner or........
"I think you have the wrong number," I replied taking a deep breath while saying a prayer for the parent or guardian as well as the child who were supposed to get the call. Hoping from the bottom of my heart that the news they would eventually receive would be good news, but knowing it might not be.
10 comments:
Wow. You describe this so well, I am right there in your emotions but also in the caller’s, too. And such an ending of mixed feelings- relief, but still feeling concern for an unknown other. And curiosity, I have to admit. A disturbing call, for sure.
I found myself holding my breath as I read your slice. I felt your relief along with you when you realized it was the wrong number, and definitely the concern for another parent. I’ve had one of those calls, and it was no fun. Luckily, it all turned out OK. Thank you for sharing this today.
What a scary call to get! I'm glad it was not one of your own.
Oh, Anita, yes, what an awful call to get. I'm thankful it was a wrong number, and I hope the news got to the right person soon. I liked that last paragraph where you said a prayer and a hope for good news for the family.
There's nothing more fearful than "THE PHONECALL" . You had me riveted. Glad you did not have a heartbreak or emergency to deal with.
Oh my! This moment had me holding my breath.
It’s me Vivian. Forgot to sign in. 🤦🏻♀️
I am glad that call was not for you. That is one scary moment.
My heart stopped! I'm thankful the call was not for you and sent up a prayer for the family.
How chilling! I felt Iike I was right there beside you, holding my breath, too.
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