Hello, Welcome Home
Ten days ago, in the sunny afternoon, one fine talented young doctor was stitching up my lacerated face. Today, I live to tell the story with two scars.
First, I'm most indebted to everyone who heard about the accident and reached out. It was overwhelming how much support, reassurance, and goodwill I received during the last couple of days.
For the first three days after the fine job, my face was badly swollen and itchy and sore. The right eye was totally shut, and I could not chew with the right corner of my mouth. I carried it to write my test like that — although I must admit the test shook me a bit, nonetheless, I'll keep my shirt on. The bigger war comes in March.
As I said in the previous newsletter, this was not the biggest health challenge I've faced, but it was the first I'd be experiencing far from home. My family were calling at least six times per day. Videos calls. Chats. I was swamped for the first week of my recovery.
Arnold visited every evening for the first three to four days. Don brought food & paid for my drugs. My classmates & senior colleagues brought fruits, called, visited me at home, reached out, helped with academic course work, and so many other things. Tuzid made sure I had water at home during the first three days. Aarinola, Asiwaju, my own OGs were there for me too.
The kindness of family, friends, and invaluable support system.
On the seventh day post suturing, they removed the stitches and the doctor said I did a good job taking care of the wound. It was cleaned, reassessed, and redressed. I was also weaned off some antibiotics. While I was waiting, I had the opportunity to theoretically explain venepuncture to one of the bright-eyed, newbie nursing students. I felt proud.
This evening, I removed the final bandages. Had a warm bath, and for the first time in the last ten days, I could use soap and water on my face. And oh boy, yeah, I've really got two scars to tell this story properly. I must admit that I've really, really got good genes, because how did I manage to stay beautiful?
Anyway, this might be the last newsletter I'll be writing until after my exams in March. I cannot repay all the forms of tenderness I've received, however, I do hope that on our weakest days, may we find strength and grace to bounce back.