Saint Christopher

Late in the night of January 13, 2025… or in the wee hours of January 14th, I was adjusting my sheets and mattress when something strange happened: The tip of the middle finger of my left hand was bent backwards. It did not hurt. It did not discolor or swell. It simply looked quite odd. I massaged it and felt no pain. I was confused. I turned on my computer and investigated. I learned that what I have is called “mallet finger” and is treatable. I went to bed and slept soundly. 

I went to stores the next morning and bought a splint and other things. I had not been using glucosamine chondroitin because I ran out, so resupplied. I hurt my left hand on Christmas Eve 2024 by swinging my little nieces around, but in the palm and wrist, not my fingers.

I went to the doctor on January 14th. Dr. Wilson was friendly and helpful. He wrapped my finger after hyperextending it. I must wait 8 weeks for it to fully heal. I shall have a checkup on January 30^th.

I have been washing my laundry by hand for months. My washer stopped working but my dryer still works. I cannot wash my laundry by hand for 8 weeks. I asked my friend Chris Buffaloe for help. He is on the road and has been for months.

I went to work on January 14th. I have two jobs. My evening job is at a grocery store called Food Lion. It was difficult to do with less than two hands, but I managed it. I came home early because of plumbing problems at the store.

I came home to a big surprise. My washer was in the backyard. A new washer was already installed. I called my friend Chris Buffaloe. He hurried from Fayetteville NC to Newport NC to do what he did then he hurried back to Fayetteville. His wife Anna chose a machine and had it ready for him to pick up.

NOTE: Fayetteville is over a 150 miles from Newport, where I live. It is over two and a half hours away. My friend acting above and beyond for my sake… and asked for NOTHING in return. I wept.

I have been cynical for a while. People are always annoyed with me or simply disinterested. I write books and illustrate the covers but no one cares to read them. I was very sad, not angry. I was tired emotionally and psychologically. Chris Buffaloe, my friend, rid me of my cynicism in a single day. He gave me hope. I am no longer sad, because of him.