Submitted by Christine Zeszut on the 2016 winter session program in Athens, Greece sponsored by the Department of English…
I knew I had been getting sick; I had constant migraines, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and swollen tonsils. But one particular evening, my symptoms intensified. By 5:00 the next morning, I was so worried my throat would close up that I decided I need to go to the hospital. So I messaged my Mom, woke up my roommate, called a taxi and off we went. After the 10 minute taxi ride, we arrived at the hospital. We couldn’t even figure out what door to go in, and we initially went in the wrong one. I spent the next frustrating hour trying to figure out my insurance. Although my insurance said this particular hospital was in contract with my insurance company, the hospital receptionist said she’d never heard of my insurance (the receptionist didn’t speak any English though, so I had to find an English speaking nurse every time I wanted to communicate). After calling my Mom and crying out of frustration and pain, she said to not worry about the insurance and to just pay whatever the cost. FINALLY, I could be seen by a doctor…but little did I know that was only the beginning of my seven hour stay in the hospital. The rest of my time in the hospital is a blur of pain, confusion, testing and waiting. I received a blood test, a chest X-ray and an ultrasound, all of which were firsts for me. One of the women who works for our host school, Keti, came to our rescue. She talked to my roommate and I, as well as the doctors, and pretty much handled everything for me. It’s amazing how much a familiar face can comfort you.
Seven hours and way too many euros charged to my credit card later, we left the hospital (finally!) to stop at the pharmacy and head home. Recovery has been painfully slow since; I have not been able to leave my apartment in three days.
Even more important than that nightmare are the three angels that have taken care of me. My roommate and very good friend, Erin, has missed all the activities to take care of me. She gives me my medicine, makes sure I’m well hydrated and fed, and hasn’t left my side since we left for the hospital. I have never had a more caring and loyal friend. My second angel, Keti, helped Erin and I when we were at our worst. Translating and taking care of administrative affairs in the hospital spared me extra pain. Keti’s presence was soothing for both Erin and me. After the hospital, she took us home and helped me take my medicine and put me to bed. Two days later, she came to check in and brought her dog! My face lit up, and I was the happiest I’d been since the hospital.
My third angel is Maria, another Greek woman who works for the school. She brought food for my roommate and me at least three times a day for three days. And she stopped in at least three more times each day to see how I was feeling. She doesn’t speak any English, but that did not stop her for caring for me.
The love and care I have received from these three angles has been the greatest blessing. I could never fully express my gratitude for what they have done for me. I will forever be grateful for their kindness and compassion.
My experience reminded me the importance of being flexible and taking everything in stride. Every obstacle and hardship is just another part of the journey.