Later, I went to the doctor, to find out one way or the other.
"I should know the results about 2 o'clock ... if you could ring
then?"
I nodded in response to his question, and hurried off to school.
It was my second year of teaching at Christian Brothers' College,
St Kilda
At one minute past two, I rang the hospital only to be
disappointed by word of a delay. The doctor had again warned
me against raising my hopes too high, but I couldn't help it. My
mind was not on my work that day.
My fourth phone call was made and my heart was in my mouth.
"I've just got the results."
"Did I pass?"
"I'll just have a look"
I couldn't believe it.
I was still waiting.
The thought entered my mind that every time I had been due
to hear important medical news, I had been kept waiting. Probably
not true, and of course the doctors have more than one patient
at a time. But it is annoying.
"You're a lucky man. These counts are within the normal range."
I felt immediate relief and joy.
"What do you mean 'normal' range?"
"There's a range of sperm counts that would be considered
normal. Your count is on the lower part of this range, but we
would still consider you normal ...This is great news."
"It is, isn't it. Thanks doc."
I replaced the phone, and stood still until it sank in.
I had won again.
