avatarMarla Bishop

Summary

The website content recounts a personal experience of an unexpected extended hospital stay, discusses the phenomenon of institutionalization, and invites readers to share their own stories or thoughts on the topic in a microfiction writing challenge with specific guidelines.

Abstract

The author of the web content describes an unanticipated nine-day hospitalization for tests and treatment, during which they quickly adapted to the institutional routine of care. Despite the initial shock, the author's condition improved, leading to their release. The narrative reflects on the swift adjustment to a regimented lifestyle, including scheduled meals and medications, and the subsequent difficulty in readjusting to normal life upon returning home. The author marks their recovery by cooking for their family, an act that leaves them exhausted. The article transitions into a broader discussion on institutionalization, citing Ralph Waldo Emerson's critique of societal capitulation to institutions. It then presents a writing challenge, "Thrifty Words," inviting readers to submit either a 50-word or 100-word microfiction piece on the theme of "Institutionalisation." The guidelines for submission are detailed, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the exact word count and including specific tags. Submissions are to be considered for a weekly roundup publication.

Opinions

  • The author expresses surprise at how quickly they became accustomed to the hospital routine, indicating a concern about the ease of becoming institutionalized.
  • There is a sense of relief and gratitude that the author's medical condition was not as severe as initially feared.
  • The author shares a personal triumph in being able to cook for their family again, signifying a return to normalcy and family roles.
  • The inclusion of Emerson's quote suggests a critical view of society's readiness to conform to institutional norms.
  • The writing challenge implies a belief in the power of concise storytelling to explore complex themes such as institutionalization.
  • The detailed submission guidelines for the writing challenge reflect a commitment to maintaining a standard for the microfiction genre.

100/50 WORDS

A Stint In Hospital

Thrifty Words 50 #34 / 100 #13: Institutionalisation

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

I went to the hospital two weeks ago, for what I believed was a couple of tests, but ended up being detained therein for nine days and eight nights.

It was a bit of a shock. But the good news is, my condition is not as bad as was first thought and after a series of tests and trial medications, I was released back home.

It’s a little bit scary how quickly I became institutionalised. Confined to bed, I had doctors and nurses examining, probing, prodding and pricking my body day and night.

Meals, medications and cups of tea were brought to my bedside with invariable regularity. Little wonder then, that when I got home it was all I could do but lie in bed and call out for food and drink.

pasta dish created by daughter who never cooks / pic by author

Today was the first day I was able to get up and make a meal for my family. Exhausted, I then retreated to bed.

Have you ever been institutionalised? What was it like? Perhaps you believe, like Mae West, that marriage is an institution to be avoided? Share your thoughts, ideas and stories, but keep it thrifty!

Institutionalisation – fifty words OR one hundred words – GO!

“I am ashamed to think how easily we capitulate to badges and names, to large societies and dead institutions.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

Please choose either the fifty word or 100-word challenge, not both. See the guidelines for your chosen challenge below.

Remember, in order to be considered for the challenge, you need to write exactly 100 or 50 words (contractions such as ‘you’ll’ and ‘y’all’ count as one, as do articles ‘a’ and ‘the’ ‘and all 23 auxiliary verbs ‘am’ ‘is’ ‘are’ etc. Hyphenated words count as one word.) The editors reserve the right to add or remove words to ensure the exact word count.

Please use the kicker 100 WORDS or 50 WORDS and ‘Thrifty Words 100 Challenge #13: Institutionalisation or ‘Fifty Word Challenge #34: Institutionalisation as your subtitle and submit by 6:00 pm.EST on Friday, 23rd April. All stories submitted by the deadline will be released the following morning in the weekly roundup.

Need inspiration? Here’s last week’s roundup, and a little music to get you in the mood…

The Bad Influence
Thrifty Words Challenge
100 Words 50 Words
Institutions
Hospital
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