Sasquash

Sasquash is my little 'helper' when I have to go to doctors/scans/dentists/tests, etc. Have I mentioned that I don't "do" needles/doctors/dentists very well??? So he helps my stress level tremendously.

My grandson in St. Louis sent him to me via his Dad when I had my mastectomy. I collect elephants and Foster (that grandson) has always been the very best at finding unusual ones for me. I decided that little kids can take stuffed animals into the OR with them - so why not me!!! His tiny little body is exactly the right size for me to squeeze with one hand - and I promise, I've done plenty of squeezing.

He still has the 'tag' on his tail from that particular trip (one of the labels they put in my hospital bracelet). When I went to have my port taken out, they made him his own 'bracelet' with HIS name on it and put it around his neck. They all debated over how to spell his name and one of the doctors finally decided :-)

All the nurses at the clinic know Sasquash and remember his name - and all the doctors I've been around in the last 2+ years. Couldn't be because I'm such a basket case could it???

I forgot him once when I went for a PET scan. I was SO upset and almost turned around and went home. The nurses convinced me to stay and found me a little Aflac duck to hold. You can push his tummy and he yells "Aflac". Not quite as good as Sasquash, but better than nothing. I offered to return him after the scan, but they insisted I take him home. I suspect Aflac supplies them to the clinic for scared little kids (and me).