Emerge-gent-see vehicle
I needed to get a lift home from our local hospital after a late Friday afternoon appointment. I called my son- in-law who agreed to come and fetch me and bring the children with him for the drive.
I was waiting outside on the curb in the parking lot, standing with my white cane and dark glasses as usual when my phone rang. I presumed it was my son-in- law, and so answered it. It was a business call and required a quick decision from me before end of week so I could not say, “Sorry I am in transit can I call you back?”
Needless to say I was distracted when a grey sedan pulled up. I rushed my conversation to say my goodbye politely, folded up my cane, clambered into the passenger seat and closed the door firmly. I said, “Hi!, Where are the kids?” Then there was silence.
I became more attentive to my confusing visual clues and then announced, “Oh, you are the wrong gent!” The driver chuckled and pronounced, “and you are the wrong lady!” We both laughed as I opened the door to get out and I heard a lady scurrying up to the car, chortling with glee. She had witnessed the whole thing. She was his wife, a nursing assistant who had come off duty early.
As we swapped places I warned them, ” Beware of strange, blind women who could jump into your car at any moment.” We all laughed as I waved them goodbye.
On my own again, I thanked God I was not a teenager…this incident would have had me nursing my pride for days! Now in my 50’s I got to laugh at my assumption and be grateful for other middle -aged South Africans with a sense of humour.
No emergency and no I. C. U …’cos I obviously didn’t!!
