The early spring breeze rustled the edges of my skirt as I stood high above the street waiting for the train. It was the first warmth Chicago had seen that year. I felt free, finally leaving home the layers the winter frost had required. I was heading downtown for dinner with my teacher colleagues. Our…
Author: juliamd
The Doorknob, Again
I am happy to share my essay has been published in the fall issue of Northwestern Magazine. You can read here.
The Doorknob
“And oh, um, I feel like I’ve been gaining weight,” I said hesitantly. The doctor was about to exit, her hand on the doorknob, “But it’s just in my belly.” After the usual questions and admonitions, a brief listen to my heart and lungs, a feel of my neck, and orders for a…
Gown and Coat
“It’s just become overwhelming,” Mrs. Perez whispered. Her daughter Jacinta wandered, wiggled and stomped around the exam room, peppering me with questions. “What’s this?” “Where are the Band-Aids?” “Does this sink work?” “It does, Jacinta.” I replied. “Why don’t you wash your hands?” She set to work with a large squirt of soap…