I got on the elevator and one of the men who works in the building was there.
*he is about to exit but realizes it is not the right floor - we laugh
ME: Hi! How are YOU?
HIM: Alive! I feel ALIVE!!! I wake up and I thank God that I am alive!
ME: I love that! That is wonderful
***it's my floor
ME: *on my way out - What's your name?
HIM: You won't believe it. JESUS (Spanish pronunciation) like Jesus!
ME: Ohhhh perfection! I love it! Byyyyeeeee!
A young man is exiting another elevator at the same time.
I am walking behind him.
It is a nice summer morning and he has on the 'hoochie daddy shorts' + a nice floral shirt + sunglass case in his hand.
After a few steps, I say what's in my head? (compliment people - not in a flirty way)
ME: You have on the perfect brunch outfit.
HIM: I'm actually on my way to work.
ME: oooooh! Well you look nice.
***I really want to ask where he works (because of the outfit) but I don't
HIM: I was sick so I am curious to see how I will feel at work today. I had an ulcer.
ME: oh noooo! Well GodSpeed to you! How did it show up / how did you know?
HIM: I passed out while having dinner Thursday night. I woke up Friday morning and went to the ER
***the mother / nurturer in me wanted to say - WHAT!?! Why did you wait til Friday ?!? - but I just listened!
WARNING: in case you are squeamish like me - gross alert
HIM: They told me I had bleeding plus there was blood in my stool. They kept me Friday and part of Saturday.
ME: WHAT!?!?! Had you not seen this happening at home?
HIM: Yes but I was thinking it would pass.
ME: Well interesting that I am the person you ran into this morning because this EXACT THING just happened to [someone I am close to].
ME: They had a colonoscopy. Several polyps were found + a really large one. They said he came just in time. [They are older than you]
HIM: ooooh. I've been thinking about getting one because that runs in my family.
ME: This is why you ran into me! Get the colonoscopy young man. Make the appointment.
HIM: Yeah I should. I will.
* We've made it to the parking garage and part ways.
I think about him while I drive off.
I hope he follows up.
Then I wonder how can I follow up with him.
Mental gymnastics begin.
INNER DIALOGUE: Drop a reminder note off with building to give to him
INNER DIALOGUE: You've done your part, you can't take on his problem.
INNER DIALOGUE: Does his family know about this incident
INNER DIALOGUE: Sally you gotta let this go - I can't.
INNER DIALOGUE: pray.
*Remember, I just got off the elevator with Jesus.
Please join me in sending him good vibes, good juju, and prayer.
My suggestion is for us to remember to listen to the whispers (to say something, to do something, etc…).
THAT’S IT Y’ALL - see ya here next Sunday at 3:33p CT
You can message me on Instagram @SallyMcMullin
Hugs & LOVE Y’all,
Sally Mc
The nurse in me wants to shake him for ignoring the signs. But I’m glad he’s well enough to do something about it
I am praying that he at least follows up with his primary care provider and that the PCP gets him checked out with a colonoscopy
I have an ongoing issue with polyps and know that if they are given 10 years to grow they can grow into colon cancer tumors.
Also my Mom is a 10 year survivor of stage 3a colon cancer