Dear Patrick and Neil,
As the next quarter of the book passed by, I began to realize that much of what was happening has happened to me. Of course, I am not destitute like the McCourt's, but some incidents can be related into my own life. First of all, to start out on a light note, I found that it was kinda funny that every time Frankie McCourt received a religious sacrament, he either was sick or got sick immediately following the event. I first noticed it in an earlier chapter, when Frankie threw up right after his First Communion. Of course, that was because he ate too much at his Grandmother's house. But in the second event, at his Confirmation, his "nose starts bleeding and [he] feel[s] dizzy" (McCourt 190). Then, when Frankie's mother tells him to get ready for the collection afterwards and Grandma's house, he says, "...the mention of food makes me so sick I run to the edge of the pavement to throw up and the whole world is looking at me and I don't care" (McCourt 191). Eventually, he would be diagnosed with typhoid fever. I have had similar experiences in Church. I can remember one incident where I was in Mass with my mom and my great aunt, and when we were kneeling, I passed out right in the pew. I was only out for a second, but it was a good thing I wasn't standing. As soon as I woke up, I sat up and immediately checked my blood sugar levels to make sure it was not a Diabetes related cause. Then, I immediately ran out of the Church because I thought I was going to be sick. Turns out that we never found out what happened, but my mom and I always made a joke saying that I was "possessed" because every time I was in Church after that moment, I was always lightheaded and one time almost passed out again.This relates into Frankie's situation because we both got "sick" after religious services. What about you guys? Do you have any memorable religious moments, other than the normal ones all religious people have?
The next thing I can compare myself to is Frankie's extended stay in the hospital. When he is diagnosed with typhoid, he has to stay in the hospital for an extended period of time. While he is still in the hospital, he explains that he had, "been in this hospital for two months and I wonder if they'll let me out for Christmas" (McCourt 202). This reminds me of when I was diagnosed with Diabetes at age 4. I was in the hospital for a week, but it was around Easter, and I was worried that the Easter Bunny wouldn't come to the hospital and bring me candy. Luckily, I got out of the hospital before Easter, but it was almost like Frankie's situation because before I was in the hospital, I was sick all the time. What about you? Do you have any moments where medicine interfered with holidays or special events?
Lastly, the McCourt's money issue is somewhat like mine. Since Malachy Sr. finally decided to go to England to work and send the money home to his family. The only problem is that he drinks it all. Angela is finally forced to go get public assistance, and she told Mr. Kane that, "he didn't send us a penny in months..." (McCourt 233). My mom had to do almost that, but nowadays people just go to court. My dad was about 5 years behind on his child support, so my mom brought him to court to get the money we needed for medical supplies and other things. This is almost like getting the public assistance that Angela got. What about you as a reader? Did you have anything like this happen in your life?
This portion of the book related the most to my life and was also very similar. What did you think about this section as you were reading it?
Yours Truly,
Caitlyn
Dear Caitlyn,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that you were amused by Frankie's religious incidents. Yet, I have to respectfully disagree with you. I was quite disappointed with the incidents. More towards the Confirmation one though. I mean, he already has this hard-knocked life, barely eating anything every week, and right before he goes around to collect money from neighbors for the collection, he goes to the hospital! And of all things to be sent to the hospital over, typhoid fever! Just look at the symptoms and affects of typhoid fever: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002308/. However, I can see how you found the fact that he got sick after his First Communion comical. Primarily because he was not "gypped" as badly as missing out on the collection. It's funny that you brought up a similar church incident of yours. I have a humorous story as well. Not directly concerning me though. I was alter serving a mass once, and sitting next to me was another server. All of a sudden, she started to sway back and forth. I asked her "are you alright," and as the words came out of my mouth, she fell backwards and went unconscious. I was in shock! Looking back at it now, even the server who fell laughs at this story. Also, in redard to Frank's visit to the hospital, I too wondered why he had such a long visit. I wonder if he really needed to stay for all those months. I have had an incident likewise that interfered with a special event. Once again, not directly concerning me. My family and I were on vacation in Canada for 2 weeks. And guess where my brother spent half of that week. At the hospital! Talk about giving something a sour taste. Lastly, in regard to the money issue, I, or I should say my parents, have luckily never been in the same type of financial trouble as the Mccourts. But I am very sorry to hear that you have had a similar experience. I hope that you haven't had any trouble besides that one event. Ultimately, I agree with you. This part of the book was the hardest to proceed through. I could only read so much without getting to depressed. From their struggles for food, to Frank's multiple health problems, It seems the Mccourts lives are only headed downhill from here.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gregorek