This page is for memoirs, which are fact-based stories about someone's life, and vignettes, which are short pieces of writing about a particular moment.

Prompt: Going to the hospital with bronchitis

The glaring lights pierce my eyelids, waking me up. My head rests on my Mother’s soft shoulder as she talks to some woman. The chattering of people around me and the lights continue to pull me away from my slumber. I whimper as I hide my face in my Mom’s chest. She gives me comforting words as we walk further into the hospital. I can hear my Dad’s loud voice and my Grandma’s soft one. Everyone seems frantic, panicking.

Breathing hurts, my throat itches with each breath. My lungs scream for more air. The doctor's voices are faded, I am only able to make out a few words here and there, blue face, difficulty breathing, x-ray. 

Next I know I’m laying down on a cold metal table. The doctors tell me how they will take pictures of the inside of my chest with a big machine. They give me something to put on my waist, it’s heavy but comforting. The clicks of the machine make me jump, they’re too loud. 

I’m in an itchy and thin hospital gown. I can’t recall when I put it on. Two nurses enter the room. One is tall and lanky, the other is short and round. They talk to my parents, their voices distant. All I can make out from their conversation is that there is something wrong with my lungs, and that I will need to stay here for a few nights. They continue to talk, the nurses both have this annoying high pitched voice that stabs my ears. They mention how I will need an IV since I am staying in the hospital. 

The tall nurse takes out this needle, it’s longer than any other needle I have ever seen. While she preps my arm the short nurse leans over the bed and lays on top of me. Her heavy body crushes mine. My chest can’t move, panic spreads through me. I attempt to thrash around to get rid of her. 

“We do this so kids won’t move when we give them the IV,” The short nurse's words come out as sighs.

“I won’t move! I promise! Please get off,” It’s hard to get the words, each word is a workout of its own.

“Promise?”

“Yes!”

She gets off of me after some struggling. My skin tingles at the lack of restrictive pressure. I attempt to take in gulps of air, but even without the weight it’s difficult. 

The tall nurse prepares my arm for the IV, wiping down the inner part of my left elbow. It’s cold and wet until she dabs it dry. The needle causes fear to course through my body, but nothing is more frightening than the thought of being flattened again.

I turn my head, squeezing my eyes shut. I grind my teeth as I feel the chill of the metal break my skin. I feel something else push into my arm, wider than the needle. 

“All done,” The tall nurse says. I turn to look at my arm. There is a clear tube sticking out of my arm. The nurse leans over and grabs something that looks like a bandage. She explains to me and my family that it’s to stop me from bending my left arm while the IV is in it. 

It’s tight on my arm, comprising my skin. I try to bend my elbow to test its limit. It definitely made it hard to bend it, but not impossible. 

They bring me to my own room, with its own bathroom and a second bed for a parent. The bed is sat up, it’s to help me breathe according to the doctors. My hospital bed is fine and crinkly. The hospital gown is uncomfortable, the lights still too bright. My arm aches from the needle, my head hurts from the lack of oxygen. But my eyelids are still heavy, my chest, despite its pains, feels hollow. My eyes slowly close as I drift into a light slumber. As I drift off, I hope that tomorrow I’ll be able to leave, missing my bed already.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought this would be a better time than ever to make somewhat of a list of my favorite foods on Thanksgiving and why I like them. The foods I will be covering might be classics for some, but some might also be foreign to others. Since this is my list, I will only talk about foods that I have had for Thanksgiving, because these are the ones I have had and am more acquainted with in time. 

Turkey

Turkey is an absolute classic and favorite for many people on Thanksgiving. It is the main course for many households, with more than 88% of people eating it on Thanksgiving. With that, it deserves to be the main meal. The meal itself is superb and is just always a solid pick. I can't think of a better option to be the main meal. It meshes well with almost every other meal in this list. The texture is good and the meal works well by itself as well. Overall, this dish is easily one of the better foods you might see on Thanksgiving. Turkey is always a favorable choice and almost always works out well. 

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a hit or miss food in my opinion. It could be terrific at gatherings and complement the turkey well, or it could be texturally obscure and drowned in gravy. When mashed potatoes are good, everything goes well. The taste of the potatoes would be very flavourful, and would be quite the treat to have on your plate. But, if we’re going with the latter example, the mashed potatoes would be done in an off putting manner. They can be a let down for many people with a mushy texture and a taste that leaves people wondering if it’s actually mashed potatoes. And, if the gravy is less than to be desired, you can kiss your dreams of a delightful evening goodnight.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese is one meal that I almost always put on my plate with the expectations of a good side for my plate. Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese as many call it, is very savory and leaves you wanting more. The profile is unique for one Thanksgiving dish and, if done correctly, leaves the macaroni and cheese intertwined in a righteous combination that will make you want to know the recipe. It is my older sister’s personal favorite and I can see the reasons for why. The blend of cheeses is usually exceptional, and the macaroni on top of it adds to why it’s such a perfect dish to serve on thanksgiving. With that said, mac and cheese can be hit or miss as well, and if not done correctly, it can be one of the worst dishes on the table. Mac and Cheese is very delicious and, when done correctly with the seasoning, preparations, ingredients, and more, can make you love such a noteworthy and distinguished meal. 

Stuffing

To complement an already great dish in turkey, it has high expectations. Still, I think it very well exceeds its expectations. The meshing of flavors in one combination that is chewy, seasoned, and well made in one product is outstanding. Stuffing is a meal that can very well make or break a Thanksgiving dinner for some. A delicious combination of herby, buttery, chewy, divine flavors that you can never forget are present within this one. You can never go wrong choosing this option, and it rarely ever disappoints. If you ever wanted a solid choice at any dinner, picking stuffing would be a good option for you. 

Asparagus, Green Beans, and Vegetables

You might ask, “Why did you decide these should be grouped together?” To answer that, I say it's because these are similar in taste, color, and purpose. Your greens are always good for you, and it’s a very healthy option for any plate. When cooked right, it can often complete a meal, fill you up, and leave you wanting another plate. This simple, crunchy arrangement of vegetables can be very flavorful and delectable with its texture, seasoning (in certain situations), and filling nature. To me, no plate on Thanksgiving is complete without this, and not serving it would be a total let down to guests. It’s a no brainer pick for people who care more about their health, and even if you don't care, it tastes terrific.

Sweet Potatoes

Getting into the sweet treats of Thanksgiving, sweet potatoes are a classic in this category. The sweet, savory, soft goodness that is sweet potatoes have got to be something to look out for on Thanksgiving Day. Everything about it from its service as a side, to its versatility are very much unparalleled. Never is this dish a let down. If you bring this to the function, you will always get called back for another one. The astonishing flavor is enough for people to love it, and the texture alone is often another reason to keep you coming back for more. Keeping it short, it’s one of best options on the table and will probably run out before the dinner ends. Make sure to pick this up if you can at dinner. 

Pies

Pies on Thanksgiving are always a fan favorite. Whether it be pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, or any other type of pie, it should satisfy a sweet tooth. For me, my personal favorite pie is pumpkin pie. My reason is that I feel that I can keep coming to it without fail. Pumpkin pie and its flavor is only matched by sweet potatoes, and the texture is majestic. I can always come back to it and not get sick of it, and that’s one of the biggest reasons I would pick it over other pies. I can always pick up a piece, enjoy it, and feel fulfilled with my dearest delectable wants. Pies are one of the best treats you can have on Thanksgiving Day, no matter the type, and still enjoy it. Take advantage of your day and try to pick one up. 

Cranberry Sauce

I am not very well acquainted with cranberry sauce, being that I have only had it one time in the past. The one time I did have it, I was not impressed. The texture is very unlikeable, and cranberries alone aren’t too good either. It’s too sweet to be a good side or dressing, and it’s too viscous to eat by itself. Cranberry sauce is the very definition of okay, and to me it’s not justifiable for it to be a Thanksgiving mainstay. Flavor is lacking when it comes to this sauce and I feel like, even on its own holiday, it’s outshined by gravy. There are definitely things to like about the sauce, but I personally do not enjoy it. Really, cranberry sauce is just okay, there is nothing considerable about it. 

Gravy

Being on the topic of sauces on Thanksgiving, gravy is one of my favorite and best choices there. There's nothing else like a good, fluffy plate of mashed potatoes, washed with nice, soft, thick gravy. Being essential to every Thanksgiving dinner, gravy is just a safe, solid pick that will never let you down. Not often is this sauce ever messed up, or subjectively bad to taste. It often leaves you content with what you've picked and makes meals more enjoyable with its savory, warm taste. Gravy is a great sauce and it should be on your plate in time for Thanksgiving. 

I know that my opinion might not be aligned with the public, but I went with my thoughts and stuck to them. Whether it be a beautifully cooked turkey or soggy mashed potatoes, Thanksgiving is nonetheless one of my favorite holidays. I’m very thankful for my opportunity to try and taste these foods, and I look forward to another great Thanksgiving Day for years to come.