My Stupid Son...

Recently a Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) employee came back from Milan, Italy. He was told to stay isolated because he had been exposed to the coronavirus virus. Instead he went to a privately-held event at which there were approximately 175 – 200 people in attendance.

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The story below is a fictional piece that I’ve written in which this young man’s mother calls him to tell him what she really thinks about his irresponsible behavior.

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 “Hi Mom.” 

“Reginald, was that you?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“WHAT were you thinking?”

“Well, Mom I....”

“I’m asking again, WHAT were you thinking? Or were you thinking at all?”

“Mom, I just…”

“First of all, as soon as I heard that there were people in Italy infected with the virus, I told you to come home right away. But no. Oh no, you ignored me and went off to the next pub crawl or whatever you were doing.”

“It wasn't that …”

“Then you're off to this event before you even know if you're sick. Do you realize that your decision to go there could have possibly infected hundreds of people? Those people have loved ones, roommates, family that they went home to. This is how it spreads. Did they teach you anything in that expensive medical school that your father and I paid for? “WHAT were you thinking?”

“I learned plenty…”

“And, I heard that there were Residents who attended that event. They are now quarantined for 14 days because Mr. Big Germ had cabin fever. This means that there are FEWER Residents working at the hospital for the next 14 days.”

“It wasn't like that.”

 “WHAT were you thinking?”

“Well, I thought…”

 “Your father is asking if you were the one who broke quarantine.”

“Mom, it was just…”

 “And, there is at least one person so far who works in your department that tested positive for the virus. Did you have to breathe on everyone?”

“Mom!”

 “They CLOSED DOWN your entire department and all of your co-workers are being quarantined for 14 days.”

“I didn't…”

“I can’t begin to tell you how DEVASTED we are with your behavior. I thought your father and I raised you better than this. It's just like when you a teenager, all over again. You…”

“You're not going to bring that up again, are you?”

“We taught you to be respectful to others, to be caring and loving to all people who came into your life. Obviously, you missed that lesson.”

“Mom, if you'd just…”

“Your grandmother called, and she is livid. She, too, can’t believe you went there AFTER you were told to be quarantined for 14 days.”

“But Mom, I…”

“I want you to know that your grandmother is thinking of removing you from the family trust. She feels that with your irresponsible behavior it shows that you aren't the sort of person to have access to it. Unfortunately, I agree with her."

“That's not fair!!!”

“I’ve spoken to your sister as well. Her comment was 'Thankfully, I don’t have the same last name’ that speaks volumes.”

“Her too? Mom.”

“The place where the event was held had to be SANITIZED. Thankfully the Health Department stated there was “no reason to cancel upcoming events.” I want you to know that your actions probably cost that establishment thousands of dollars to have it disinfected. What if the place had to close?”

“Now Mom...”

“Young man - DO NOT 'Now Mom' me. You will never understand the embarrassment you have caused this family!”

“Mom, I didn't think…”

“No, you certainly didn't. You are so lucky that you are in quarantine or I’d be there yelling in your face.”

“Mom!”

“If I could, I’d ground you for a year for this stunt you pulled.”

“Mom!!!”

“WHAT were you thinking?”

He gave out a heavy sigh. "I wasn't".

"That's the first intelligent thing you've said."

"Sorry Mom".

“Thank you, dear. And, you should say ‘I’m sorry’ to all the others as well.”

"I know."