Life in Costa Rica: Trip number 3

We made plans for Naty to come with me and to meet on the hospital steps at 10:15. I usually arrive in Cartago early and stop for coffee as I don’t have any before I leave home. I got a message from Naty while I was having coffee that there was a complication and she wouldn’t be able to come. No problem. I know I can manage alone. What I can’t do is talk at length with the patients and understand what they are telling me.

Packed with hats and Cocoa Krispie Bars I headed for the hospital. First stop is the guard inside the door. Same one as yesterday so it was an easy stop. Just hand him a treat. On to the next guard desk. Two this time and again they knew what I was there for so just more treats. Sometimes there are patients waiting in the hallway and I offer them a hat, but not today.

I went in the door, washed my hands, and went into the chemo room. The staff saw me and greeted me and I explained I was alone today. That was all it took. There was always someone helping me. Handing out treats once I put parchment paper around them. Yesterday we used napkins but I was afraid these bars would stick to the napkins. Holding the bag of hats so I could pull out the ones for men or women and let them pick what they wanted. Explaining to the patients about the hats and my group and even commenting on how the person looked. There was joking and it wasn’t as sad and serious a day as yesterday.

One man said you pick one for me. I sized him up like an artist would and picked the red and white one. He smiled and said this is the one I wanted. One lady picked a blue hat and put it on. I took her picture but before I moved on I showed her another multicolored one. She changed her mind and decided she wanted that one. The next lady took the blue one.

I asked the staff if there was a special day for kids but they said no. I did ask if I could leave extra men’s hats for the Friday men that I missed last week. They said yes. I told them I would be back after Easter on Wednesday and Thursday. I must get more men’s hats before I go back.

There were bars left so I asked if anyone would like another one. I left with none. They really liked them. I stopped at the Super when I got to Orosi and now have marshmallows for a couple more batches. I have the cocoa krispies and the other ingredients. They are easy to make and people love them.

Tomorrow is massage day - the table is still on the deck and I will then spend the rest of Semana Santa crocheting. I am making flowers to decorate the hats that are done and then will do more hats. Happy Easter to all of you.

Jeannette contacted me yesterday afternoon asking if she could come to my house at 5:30 to bring plants. My first thought is she is bringing me palms from Palm Sunday. I had to laugh when they got here and unloaded the car. I completely forgot about ordering these. Wait till you see them.