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| 61 Gordon Street, where it all began... |
She had been gone a couple of hours now and during that time a number of patients had gone home. However, the empty bays were soon occupied again with new patients.
Yet, there was something new about the occupants. I noticed they were all younger men, much younger than the previous demographic that had surrounded me.
I remember thinking that it was strange. But, why? Young people get ill too, I'm an example of just that.
I struck up conversations with many of the younger men. Many of them opened up about their circumstances. They told me of their addictions to drink, drugs and gambling.
Another young man explained how he was recovering from being stabbed by a gang rival just 9 days ago.
Jayden, I remember most distinctly. He told me how he'd been involved in a car accident, which resulted in him seriously injuring a pedestrian.
He explained how he'd been speeding, 'egged' on by his mates. He remembered the accident vividly and was filled with remorse.
I don't know what prompted me, but I prayed for him and the other young men around me. The words of the Chaplain had touched my heart.
I had no concept of God, nor did I believe in him, so I didn't know if my prayers had any impact. What I do know is that me and those men around me all found one thing in common out of it all 'Hope'.
Later that afternoon my 'wife' came to visit. During our time together the consultant overseeing my healthcare came to see me. He delivered the news that tomorrow [Friday] I could go home for weekend leave.
I learned that the wards were not really manned over the weekend and none of the consultants worked.
Laura looked at me and smiled reassuringly, knowing that this was going to be especially hard for both of us.
For me personally my initial reaction was of terror, although I did not convey that on the outside.
I'd get to see my son for the first time in days, but I was also aware I'd be returning to the scene of where it all happened, but I wouldn't recognise it.
Would it really be home anymore? I'd grown so familiar with the hospital the very idea that I lived in a house escaped me.
