Happy Inibhunu is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Toronto.
The minute hand of the clock moves.
But her eyes are glued to the time.
What time is it, she calls out.
Time is 10:30.
For her, this is the time she finishes breakfast
Heading to her daily tasks
Cooking, cleaning, watching TV
Gardening, laughing, chatting with her friends
Anything on her list is for her to do.
But now that time has changed.
10:30 is no longer her time.
It has been replaced with the ever-changing
Appointments.
Bloodwork.
Imaging.
Interventions.
10:30 is their time.
What time is it, she calls out.
Yearning for some resemblance to her past life.
To the present, to hold on.
To her, there is still time
Time to see her grandchildren grow
Time to reminisce with her friends
Time to enjoy the outdoors
But to her doctors, nurses
Time is running out
Run more tests
Run more investigations
Run more treatments
Run more consults
But as she tells me her stories of
Adventure, misfortune, and success
Her eyes gleam
The sides of her mouth widen
And the soft whisper of her voice strengthens
Time is here
And she is all for it.
Each day is the same,
What time is it?
Time is 10:30.
But, your son is coming in today, with the kids.
But, the Blue Jays are playing this afternoon.
But, we are off to explore the beautiful outdoors.
Each passing day,
A new adventure
A glimpse of her
What time is it?
Time is 10:30.
And with a smile,
We start the day
Time is 10:30
And we are all for it.