by Cyn Bagley

Created on: November 20, 2007   Last Updated: November 21, 2007

I carry one stone, three quarters, a cellphone, and a small wedge of candle. On my neck I wear a Medic-Alert necklace.

When I go anywhere, I place this necklace carefully on my neck (I can't wear it all the time because it stains my skin green). I put my pills in a pillbox and either put them in my pocket or my purse.

The one stone, three quarters, cellphone, and candle were not consciously put in my pocket. The cellphone is my emergency phone. If I am in an accident of if I have an emergency due to my sickness, I can call my husband if I am mobile. Or the emergency folks can see my emergency numbers on the cell.

It is very necessary for me that EMTs know that I am on imuran and prednisone. It is very necessary for them to know that I have Wegener's Granulomatosis, renal hypertehsion, a penicillian allergy. They need to know that I can die under certain circumstances. If I cannot tell them, I hope that they will look for some clues. I wear the necklace. I carry a card in my purse. I also carry a medical card in my pocketbook. I hope to have it covered.

I have heard stories of really ill folks who have not been prepared for emergencies. They have been taken to the hospital. They have been given drugs that either interefered with other medications or it was a drug that they were allergic too. Sometimes the story says that family was able to save these folks by telling the doctors. Other times the story says that these very ill folks died.

So I carry it.

The rock I carry is a worry stone. I found it in Japan several years ago. It feels right in my hand. When I think of not being able to save myself. I rub this rock. It feels good. I feel better.

The quarters are for a coke. I let myself have one per week. I can't have a diet coke. The aspertame is very bad for me and can interfere with my medication. So I am happy that once a week I can drink real coke, something bad for me and be Ok.

The candle? I have no idea. I think someday that I will put it in the garbage. It is small, white, and already burned. It reminds me of the prayer candles I used to see in German Catholic cathedrals. I have friends who pray for me. I thank them. So the candle reminds me that I cannot survive without my family and my friends.

I keep the candle.

Learn more about this author, Cyn Bagley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.