Never take news lightly

Most of us would shrug off the idea that we are in danger and this projects to our circle of family and friends. This is a natural mechanism of our body to avoid ourselves from getting shock but how we react to these situations is the most important part.

I received a text from a friend recently claiming that he cant't breathe and I thought I know him well enough to think that it might be a prank. So I rang back and obviously he can't speak. Although I was in the middle of an appointment, I rushed to meet him and all along the way, I kept thinking of the possibilities that it might just be a joke. I was even prepared to shout out "This is not funny!" when I meet him. Anyway, all he sent was an estimated location and a picture of what is in front of him. With that, I drove along the highway but still did not see him. I tried ringing him again but this time, he picked up but did not utter a single word. I panicked and bad thoughts started flooded my mind. It hit me that this might be real.

I immediately make a u-turn and tried to look for him again. I finally found his car at the road shoulder. Without hesitation, I ran to his car, saw him gasping for air and assisted him into my car. Amidst all the confusion, I was glad that I was able to think rationally and searched his car for 2 most important things: his ID and his phone (to ring his family).

I drove him to the emergency department of the nearby hospital and when I sank at the chair of the waiting area, the reality started hitting me. I felt so bad for my late response. What if it was serious? Why did I even doubt my good friend that he might be playing a joke on me? It took me an hour from the time he first texted me for help to when I picked him up.

I heaved a heavy sigh of relief when I saw him walking out of the emergency department several hours later and mentioned he was discharged.

Well, I hope that this does not happen to anyone else for I strongly suggest that even when you think somebody is pranking you, take that seriously for you might never know when they are really in trouble.

YM