Love my imperfections

LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF

•AMANDA•

I cleared the last papers on the nurse's station and went on to take a seat while I wait for the next shift to come and take over. Today was not really bad, i only had 2 patients and 1 got discharged, meaning i was left with 1.

"Morning Amanda" Sandra, my colleague said as she placed her bag down and picked up the slate from the table. "Morning?" i responded as we made our way to the cubicle the patient was in. "yes, this is my morning even though I'm working nightshift." she said with a small laugh and we both entered the cubicle.

"We still have Mr Smith, went for op yesterday and stepped down from ICU this morning. was seen by DR and plan is to start with physio, was seen by physio and he is actually mobilising well. his vital signs are within normal limits, and he is to continue with meds." i gave Sandra the report as she also went through the patient's file.

"we literally empty. i don't even remember the last time i had 1 patient to nurse." Sandra said as she pulled her red hair up into a messy bun up her head. "i will see you at the funeral friend. you are very strong for coming to work even though your sister just passed away." i gave her a small smile and responded. "im fine, beside we weren't close, so.." she pulled me in a tight hug before we can bade goodbyes.

i walked out of the hospital building with my bag on my shoulder, walking as fast as my feet could carry me. i cant afford to miss the train, so i have to be fast. soon as i got to the station, i got into the train and set comfortably next to the window.

Anyway, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Amanda Thomas, I'm a 24 years old registered nurse, born and raised in South Africa, Johannesburg. apparently, my mother cheated on her husbad with a man from south africa and they had me, when she left south Africa, she left me with my father and 4 years ago my father died leading me to come stay with my mother and step step father and my stepsister from my step father. It doesn't make sense, right? i know. Let me put it this way. My mother, Kate.,moved to south Africa because of her work and when she got there, she met my father Khaya. By then she was married to Lorry, and already they had a daughter named Martha. A year after i was born my mother's contract in south Africa ended and she had to leave me behind because her husband knew nothing about me.

Lorry died and she married Lorry's brother Kenneth, and they have a 8yearsold son together and his name is Sam. After the passing of my father, Kate and Kenneth decided to bring me to the UK so that i can stay with them and i studied to become a registered nurse.

So that's my background. Quite crazy i know but my father used to say im a special girl with a special life. Martha, my half sister passed away on Sunday leaving her 8 months old son behind. His name is Ethan. He is so cute and so innocent. Before Martha died, she tried so had to get to know me so that we can live like sister we are. She had sickle cell anaemia, and she got worse and after giving birth to Ethan.

I sometimes do wish I knew her more, she was a generous woman, loved me as who I am and always made sure that I'm okay and comfortable. She was married for 3 years and I believe that it was the best 3 years of her life.

The train came to a stop and i quickly rushed out to catch a bus so that i can finally get home. Soon as i got home, I found everyone in the living room preparing for tomorrow's funeral. I took a quick shower and went down the stairs to be with the rest of my family.

"Amanda. martha's ceremony will be held at the church and after the burial we will go to Martino's house." kate said looking up at me. after the death of Martha, she hasn't been okay, but she tried to act all tough and okay. "What about Ethan? what will happen to him after?" she took a sigh before she could answer me. "Martino is still alive. he is his father, so we don't really have to worry so much about him"

I took a sit on the couch that's on the corner and listened to everyone bringing in their suggestions. Even though I've spent the last 4 and 8 months staying with Kate and Kenneth, I just can't be comfortable around them. I chat be open to them.

Funerals this side are not the same as the ones in South Africa. That side, at this hour my father's body was in the house, in his bedroom. Lights off and only candles on. There were some family members on mattress because it's their culture and all that stuff.

Soon as all was settled we all went to our bedrooms to rest.

Tomorrow is not going to be easy, but we will all have to stay strong. All this reminds me of my father's death. I remember each and every detail like it happened yesterday.

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