I rang the Fullarton Lutheran Homes for a visit with my sister Pauline.
‘That will be fine,’ the secretary said.
‘No RAT test or appointment?’
‘Just put on a mask and head visor when you get here.’
Half an hour later, I cheerfully arrive at the front door. There is a certain amount of red tape, but nothing like the previous visit.
Inside the main door, there is a short walk along the corridor to a lift and instead of going up the lift I am directed along another long corridor, through a series of doors that have a code to access – then up another lift – then I arrive at an unfamiliar part of Acacia West, Pauline’s Ward. Rooms 30 to 33 to the left, 34 to 37 to the right – goodness knows where Pauline’s room, number 13 is! I’m lost!
Straight ahead is a big locked door. Eventually “Hey Sesame”, the door opens.
A slightly rotund man appears and asks, ‘What are you doing here? We are in a lockdown ward.’
Slightly nonplussed, ‘Um, ah,’ – pause – ‘the lady downstairs at the front desk says I can visit my sister.’
‘What’s her name?’
‘Pauline… Pauline Schmidt.’
‘Ok.’ He disappears. Long pause but finally returns.
‘Ok, she’s right ahead through the big door past the nurses’ station in room 13 – she’s lucky.’
Finally, I’m sitting with Pauline enjoying our catch-up. Then a carer comes in, someone who I’m not familiar with.
‘Pauline I’ll give you your RAT test now. Sir, I don’t think you should be in here. I’ll give you your RAT test in your room.’
Goodness who she thought I was. Protesting I said, I’m Pauline’s younger brother Robert – I’m visiting.’ Pauline’s eight years older than me and has always looked young and beautiful – SO MUCH FOR MY YOUTH!
The lady must have been an agency nurse – and after she left I spent a pleasant hour with Pauline catching up the gossip.
I say good-bye. Then get to the large locked door again – and there is no one around. I could not raise anyone!
Behind me, and turning my head around I hear Pauline say, “POOR ROBERT.”
She was always considerate of others.
In Memory of Pauline.
(16th February 2023)
Burnside Writers Group 