flipwriteswords

[flipwriteswords]

Being in a Hospital

AS A BIT OF A PREFACE TO THIS POST: 

I’ll try to do one of these as often as I can (daily, if possible.) And all of these are written in about ten minutes. Nothing is edited aside from spelling.

I’ve been in a hospital a few times in my life, all for different reasons. Aside from the obvious one of my birth I’ve been in a hospital for two surgeries, and maybe one other time I don’t remember. The time I wish I remembered more was when my father was in the hospital for his cancer. We were several floors up, we had a window overlooking the parking lot. This was in either 2006 or 2007 I don’t remember too well as I was a kid at the time. It was all really a blur to me, maybe not then, but now I can hardly remember the specifics of that room. But I definitely remember the specifics of the room he died in. It was a hospital room we fashioned our grandmothers spare bedroom into. It had light green carpet, white, seldom decorated walls, and a plaster ceiling. There was a pile of old things bordering the room like an old turn table, some old porcelain dolls, stacks of records, items from her time. And in the center of it all was a hospital bed, and in it lay my father, for what would be the last few weeks of his life. The gray frame covered by the white sheets really made it stand out against the colorful collection of items that surrounded them. I wonder if he has any memories of the items he was surrounded by? I wish I had the chance to ask him, but that’s all in the past. Hospitals don’t hold a negative place in my heart like it does most people, I can see the good and bad that happens there. A first child could be born to a mother who had all but given up on having kids due to infertility. A patient could overcome a crippling disease and hope to live a normal life again. Or less fortunate happenings like a young man losing his life in the aftermath of a car accident, despite the doctors attempts. Or a lone man giving his last breath to a nurse who never knew him. Hospitals are a place for the greatest miracles, and the most sobering tragedies.

[flipwriteswords]

Introductions

Hiya! My name is Phillip Lockhart, but you can call me Flip! I’m a college student currently studying Asian Languages And Literature, Japanese to be specific! 

I also work part time at a grocery store (exciting, I know!) 

Now you may be wondering; “Ok Flip, that’s just your professional life, but who are you?”

Well, dear reader, I’m glad you asked! And to answer this question, I’m going to take a page from betterhelps 10 Questions to Ask to Get to Know Someone

1. What is the best and worst phase of your life?

Hmm, well considering I’m kinda young, there’s not a whole lot of stuff for me to pull from- but I’ll give it a shot! 

For the best phase of my life so far I’d have to say it’s the phase I’m in right now! I’m surrounded by people who are supportive of my endeavors, and are willing to lend an ear if I’m ever having problems. Without them I’d probably be going nowhere fast, and for that, I’m truly grateful to have them in my life!

Now onto the worst phase of my life so far. I’d have to say it was from when I was about 9 years old, until i was about 18. My late childhood and teen years were full of family problems, some psychological abuse, and just general emotional instability (being a moody teenager definitely didn’t help lol). But, looking back, it’s that part of my life that made me who I am today- and I couldn’t be happier!

2. What is your favorite book or movie of all time and why did it speak to you so much?

I was hoping this question would pop up! Until recently I never had a favorite book or movie, but that all changed when I watched Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name (or Kimi No Na Wa if you want to go with the Japanese name). Now I had seen 5 Centimeters Per Second, and I thought it was pretty good. But Your Name is absolutely fantastic! The animation is beautiful, the soundtrack is absolutely stellar, and the story ripped my heart out more than once! (but in a good way). The romance is definitely what spoke to me most, and the techniques that were used are masterful. I highly recommend it to everyone because it really is Shinkai’s best work yet!

3. What are you most thankful for?

There are a lot of things I’m thankful for! My family, my situation, dogs- But out of everything I’d say I’m most thankful for my friends. Despite all of the changes I’ve gone through as a person, they’ve stuck with me through it all. I couldn’t ask for a better group to be around!

4. What is the one thing that people always misunderstand about you?

When it comes to misunderstanding me, this one is kind of my fault. I’m not a super expressive person on the outside- so often people will assume I’m in some state of unhappiness. I’m actually really friendly and upbeat! Most of the time I just don’t initiate conversation because I’m a tad shy.

5. What is your biggest regret in life?

I think my biggest regret in life was not paying close enough attention to my father when I was a kid. Unfortunately he passed away in 2007 due to a stomach cancer and all I really know about him is what I’ve heard from close family. So as a bit of advice to all of you out there- listen to what your parents have to say! You never know which piece of advice they give you will be their last.

6. If you could change something in the world, what would it be?

If I had the ability I’d make it so everyone has access to food, water, shelter, healthcare, etc. all completely free. I think as humans we have a responsibility to make sure everyone's basic needs are met. It doesn’t matter if we speak the same language, or follow the same politics, we’re the same species and we gotta care for each other, yo!

7. What’s on your bucket list?

I need to get around to making one of these actually! There’s only been one thing that’s stuck in my head the past few years- and it’s traveling the country in an RV for a year! I really enjoy driving around and seeing the sights- it’s also a great bonding experience if you go with friends!

8. What would you most like to learn and why?

Right now I really want to learn Japanese! Luckily I’m at a college where that can be my major. I’m incredibly fascinated by the culture and history- and I’d love to visit one day! So I think learning the native language beforehand is a great way to show respect to a culture I want to learn more about.

9. What are your top fears?

I think one of my biggest fears is being misunderstood. I try pretty hard to present everything I say in the most fair, understanding way possible. I am human of course, and I make mistakes from time to time- so I hope if I ever come off as rude or uncaring, someone will let me know!

10. What do you feel passionate about?

This one is pretty difficult! I’m very passion driven as a a human being, so it changes pretty frequently. One thing I’ve stayed pretty passionate about is helping those around me! I’m not an incredibly outgoing person- but I’m always willing to lend a hand if I’m needed! I even volunteer some of my time to help out at a dog shelter!

So there’s a little bit about me! I’ll be trying to update this blog as much as possible with some of my writings, but if that’s not frequent enough- make sure to check out my social medias!