The medical staff was ready when the ambulance arrived at the Emergency entrance of the hospital. Medics flooded the doctors with the patients’ information. Then, they were off to the next medical call.
Once stabilized and tested, the doctors diagnosed a concussion and a broken femur.
“Do you have any family?” they asked the disoriented patient.
“No family,” he mumbled.
One doctor asked a nurse, “Has his family been contacted?”
“No family,” he repeated.
“There’s good news about your condition.” “Who should we call?”
As soon as Larry moved in with Betty, he joined the turtle patrol. She lived on the beach as a child. It’s no surprise she bought a beach house.
Larry was a conservationist all his life. He walked the beach to stay healthy while ensuring the safety of the turtles. Watching the hatchling emerge and make their way to shore was environmentally impactful.
Recently, the red tide was getting worse. The smell of dead fish washing ashore could be seen from their porch. An overabundance of algae, some said. No one knew for sure, all speculation.
*****Red tide is a common name for algal blooms, which are large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms, such as protozoans and unicellular algae (e.g. dinoflagellates and diatoms). The upwelling of nutrients from the seafloor, often following massive storms, provides for the algae and triggers bloom events. Harmful algal blooms can occur worldwide, and natural cycles can vary regionally.
Tears flowed faster than Esmeralda could wipe them away. She was inconsolable. Five years of waiting was all for nothing. The dreams of a better life negated by a virus.
Pedro was fortunate to have found a job as a dishwasher at MaMa’s pizzeria when he arrived in America. Leaving his family behind was a high price paid but worth it. It meant a better life for his family. Drug cartels were taking over his town. Random shootings with crime rampant too edged him on for a better way of living.
The landlord trashing his life onto the sidewalk: Defeated!
Sunday was family day. Staten Island was Father’s favorite place to go because of the beautiful beaches, plus his good friend, Mr. Frank, had a big home surrounded by a white picket fence, and backyard for us five kids.
Mr. Frank was a Santero. During WWII, he migrated to Cuba from Germany. His live-in housekeeper was from Haiti. She made the best rosemary fried chicken for us.
The spiritual rituals, Mr.Frank performed were in the basement. Saintly statues, lit candles, incense, cigars, red and white fabrics, were part of the alter. He was frightening.
The term “Santería” translates into English as the “way of the saints.”[1] This is the most popular name for the religion, although some practitioners consider it offensive and avoid it in favor of alternatives.
Dancing was on her mind all the time. Magda was obsessed with the idea of becoming an Alvin Ailey jazz dancer. She disliked practicing ballet for posture or tap for flexibility. The movements bored to tears. Jazz had a rhythm all its own.
She told her parents about moving to Hollywood after graduation. They tried to discourage her by saying she was foolish.
Entering the agency, she was awestruck by the photos on the walls.
***** I’ve had no internet for this past week. Our rainy season is here causing issues. If I missed your story from last week, I’ll be sure to read it this week. Be Safe … Isadora 😎
Lansbury is a cozy little New England town. Antiques, angler, and vintage clothing shops, beside victorian cafes, create a picturesque scene.
Martha met Randall at the church picnic. A new resident in town always catches the single girls eyes. Before leaving, he asks if we could meet for coffee on Friday at the cafe.
Bashfully, I giggle, ‘yes’.
While waiting, I admire the sun playing with the blue hues on the stained glass windows. Rainbow rays reflecting a relaxed tone amid the chatter of people.
