Aunt Nasty

Editor's Note: Ms. Nasturtium Blackwitt (Aunty Nasty) was unable to attend our scheduled meeting late in June, due to a medical emergency.

We were able to touch base in a telephone interview on her return home from hospital.

ED: Hello there, Ms. Blackwitt. How are you feeling now?

NB: Hello Jeni dear. Please, do call me "Aunty Nasty." Firstly, let me apologise for not being able to keep the appointment we had for late in June. I for one certainly didn't expect to be faced with the prospect of major surgery. But then, I suppose that's really what life is all about isn't it?.....being able to take the good with the bad, and find the gift in everything. It certainly is so good to be home.

ED: I don't want to appear nosy, but just what was the problem that caused you to fly home for emergency surgery?

NB: Of course you are being nosy! No, no, don't apologise, that's exactly what a good reporter does ~ ask impertinent, probing and nosy questions. That's your job dear, I do understand. If you want an answer, just ask Aunty Nasty, I'll always give you the straight goods. You may not like the answer, but if you have the courage to ask, you can be sure I'll tell you. This is why they call me "Aunty Nasty!"

ED: Er, well then, Aunty Nasty, what did happen?

NB: Simply put, I had a twisted bowel, compounded by a lot of scar tissue and adhesions. I'd been pretending to be well for some months, but finally had to give in when the pain became unbearable. You have to understand that for a "control freak" such as myself, this was an enormous lesson ~ having to relinquish control and put myself into the hands of another (the surgeon) to guide my fate. Huge learning curve, let me tell you. Most humbling. And speaking on behalf of those of us who are used to making their own destiny on a daily basis, I do not enjoy being humbled. Not in the least!

ED: You mentioned "finding the gift in everything." What gift do you feel you have been given by this unfortunate episode?

NB: Well Jeni dear, there were actually many gifts attached to the "episode of the abominable abdominal surgery." Certainly one of the greatest was to appreciate the kindness of the nurses. These ladies (and gentlemen) work 12-hour shifts, and yet (with very few exceptions), even at the end of their very long day they manage to be considerate and truly caring of their charges. I have come away with a new appreciation for their profession. You know I was visiting with my sister Lavender and her family. La-La is married to a doctor, but he's an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (quite the wrong end entirely in this case) so I scooted back home for the surgery. Another gift is in knowing a surgeon here in whom I feel a great degree of trust.

ED: You know, Aunty Nasty, it is quite a surprise to hear you being so, well, umm, nice. We are more used to biting sarcasm from you. Hearing you actually praise people is unusual.

NB: Good grief! I must be slipping in my old age. Can't let that happen again. I think I'll ring off now. Perhaps I'll write to you as soon as I get back to my Nasty old self again. Goodbye Jeni dear.

By Nasturtium Blackwitt