sabaai, sabaai

My dear friend Arlene got sick and was admitted in a hospital in Bangkok. We were so worried for her and sorry that she spent most of her Thailand days in a hospital and in our hotel room. What a vacation!  

One day, I decided to go to the hospital and just sit beside her all day, without telling her or asking her permission, because I knew she would push me out and want me to go out instead and enjoy my vacation. I thought I can always easily go back to Thailand if I want to, but I won’t always have the chance to see and be with her (she lives in California). So I was glad I could stay with her and just enjoy some quiet moments together – in the hospital.

Sabaai, sabaai

One of the patients in the room was groaning, walking in circles, and slowly spinning around…She said she’s in pain! She’s dancing around to help herself forget about it. I felt so mean because I was laughing at the sight of her. I asked her to sing me a Thai song instead!

I didn’t expect her to really do it, but she did! She sang ”Sabaai, sabaai”. She told me it means “I’m fine. Easy going. I’m well…” I really cracked out. She was funny. She sang it and ended by saying, “but I’m not sabaai,sabaai!” Hahaha! I really felt so mean laughing hard at the sight and sound of someone who was in pain! Ugh!

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