Finding something to write about is easy. Making time to do so? Not so much…I’ll make time, in this case. I have the good fortune to still be here after a complete stranger stabbed me in the face. (Yea, stabbed from behind, and I only got “lucky” enough to catch the blade in the face because I turned when I heard someone behind me. I’d pretty sure I’d have taken that in the neck..) If you’ve ever wondered why, in Dungeons & Dragons, thieves got a backstab bonus – it’s because even if it misses the original target, the damage is significant and you can’t always return it. I was fortunate to get away long enough to call the police. I was very fortunate to flag down a passing police cruiser, too. So some good luck came my way that night! Which was good, because I was at a severe deficit.

Speaking of the police? I don’t think anyone thanks them all that often. But if I had to deal with people like the one who attacked me every day? I figure it would be nice knowing that folks appreciate your efforts. Those officers made a huge difference in my life, and maybe made it possible for me to be here now. That was closer than I ever wanted to be to not making it through something. A couple of days later I took thank you cards to the responding departments. I’d like to say I was pretty cool and collected, but I could barely talk beyond, “I just wanted to say how grateful…” and then I ran out of words. I’ve never met the officers who responded, but at least I was able to send thanks.

Also, whoever invented lidocaine, bottled oxygen, saline drips, and blood transfusions? Those really, *really* kick butt! Saline quells the unbelievable thirst when you lose lots of blood. Saline with an O2 back? Heck, were it not for being covered in my blood I’d almost have felt normal!

Sooooo…What do I have to show for this? For starters, I have the unwanted experience of surviving violent crime…..I have a scar on my face. Thankfully, it’s not the full Glasgow smile, but it’s definitely something that isn’t easy to come by. I’m told that anyone can get a tattoo, but scars have stories. Ummm, if you have a choice? Get a tattoo and make up a story later on. You can CHOOSE the tattoo you’d like to see when you look in a mirror.

I have a nifty tax write off. Yup, I can deduct the expenses from having all my clothing destroyed by blood being cut off me in the ER.

I get lots of mail from the hospital and the ambulance. I can tell you that the insurance company will call you first possible moment after getting a bill like that, though. Have your case number ready, as it will save you some time. You might want to email it to yourself so you can pull it up on your phone.

I know what it’s like tasting blood by the mouthful, sitting on the side of the road with everyone driving by and not really caring if it made for good conversation for them. That is enough for now. I’ll write about what I wish I had, next.