Random Memory

So this one time my mom was choking.  I can't remember what she was doing.  Eating chocolate or mixed nuts or something.  But we were both on the couch, just chillin, and all of a sudden:  "GAAAAASP!  ACK!  KAF!  AHACK!  ACK!"

My mind immediately went to all the first aid training I'd seen Merri giving.  So, I start with what she calls the 'Keith Swift Question'

"Mom?  Mom, are you choking?"

Her response?

"GHASP!  WHEEEEZE!  ACK!  KAF!"

Alright then, that confirms that she isn't only choking, but that she needs immediate help.  So, I start with step two.  I stand her up and turn her around, and with one hand holding her shoulders straight I give her a single, firm strike to the back.  SMACK!

Immediately she reels and SLAPS THE SHIT OUT OF ME!

"Weh di RASS wrong with you!"  She screams.  "You nuh  DO that to people!"  And she ran off to drink a glass of water.

Sometimes I wonder if it would't have been better to let her choke.

Book Lists

[January, 2009 - Giving myself plenty of time to buy gifts. All of these were chosen using What Should I Read Next]

For Erica

"Staying Dead" - Laura Anne Gillman
"Fire Me Up: An A isling Grey, Guardian Novel" - Katie Macalister (Book 2)
"You Slay Me" (Book 1)
"Light My Fire" (Book 3)

For Merri

"Asleep" - Banana Yoshimoto
"The Nature of Water and Air" - Regina McBride
"Homeland and other Stories" Barbara Kingsolver
"Pope Joan" - Donna Woolfolk Cross
"The Woman Warrior" - Maxine Kingston

For Mom

"Love Medicine" - Lousie Erdrich
"Homeland and other Stories."
"The Woman Warrior"
"The Women of Brewster Place" - Gloria Naylor
"Ceremony" - Lelsie Marmon Silko
"Saint Maybe" - Anne Tyler