One of the most distinct memories I have growing up was when I was 6-years old. I was in Grade 1 then and we were just starting to read books. At my school, we would have afternoon sessions every week with the 'older' kids (older being 9-yrs old or so - which at that time was OLD) who were assigned as our "reading buddies." Our reading buddy would then come and read to us a book of our choice. There were tons of books to choose from. Fairy-tales, adventures, cars, animals. I remember there seemed like shelves filled with different books.
Unlike all my classmates though, I would always, every single time without fail, choose the exact same book.
The book? It was called 'Good-bye Tonsils.' Basically, it was about a little girl who had to have a tonsillectomy. It was a simple story, but I remember it vividly: the little girl meeting the doctor, going to the hospital (with her stuffed toys of course), having the surgery, and then afterward having only Jello and ice-cream to eat (a 6-year old kid's dream come true).
I was absolutely fascinated by this story and I still remember how enthralled I was by it to this day. [Thinking back, I was a strange kid because NO ONE else chose this book - I remember frantically looking for it one time because I thought someone else took MY book - but of course, no one did. It was just hidden].
Now in present day, I just finished my ENT (ears-nose-throat) rotation a couple weeks ago. It was here that I witnessed a real-life tonsillectomy for the first time. As I was assisting in the surgery, I immediately remembered the book and my 6-year old self. At that moment, it all felt so apropos. Like full circle, you know what I mean? That I was here - finally - reaching one of my goals/dreams. I guess that 6-year old girl was onto something huh?
