Calvin has been having some back issues so his doctor put in a referral to the Bahrain military hospital so he could see an orthopedic specialist. The doctor only takes appointments from 4 to 7 pm two evenings a week, and with EID coming up I wanted to get him in before everything shuts down for five days. So that’s where I find myself tonight.
If I could have arranged it better, I would have sent Josh to accompany him instead. He would have enjoyed hanging with all the Bahrainis and people watching, surreptitiously eavesdropping on their conversations while everyone assumes the white guy can’t understand what they are saying.
I can barely understand English myself. Checking in the guy asked “what doe terry?” about 3 times as Calvin and I puzzled at each other until we finally got that he needed the name of the doctor we had an appointment with. No chance of pronouncing the name so I just handed over the paperwork and hoped for the best.
45 minutes later I’m waiting while Calvin gets an X-Ray, the soothing singing of The Haj never ceasing in my ear. All the waiting rooms are playing live coverage of the pilgrimage to Mecca — no newes, no sports, just an endless call to prayer.
After the X-ray we go back to the original waiting room and wait to see the doctor. Inshallah. He’s been having lower and upper back pain. A gift from both of his parents. Upper is my problem and lower is Josh’s — thanks genetics!
We may be here all night, but at least his medical bills are covered so this is only an inconvenience, not a burden. And I wish Josh were here to explain the Haj again. If I have to watch people walking in circles for a few hours, I’d like to know who’s winning.