The Snowy Prophet

The protesters were out in full force yesterday. It started like a usual Tuesday, with a couple of them trickling out of next door with their signs, but then all of a sudden a whole bunch of them showed up. There were probably about 13 or 14 of them out there, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it looks it from down the street. It's quite intimidating.

Earpiece Charlie was out - he hasn't been around in a while. He even had his big "believe the lie and babies die" sign with him. Does he bring it himself from Saint John, or do they have it here but reserve it for him? I've never seen anyone else carrying it.

It wasn't too cold out there, but there has been some snow. The Holy Ghost perched herself on top of a snowbank and called out to patients, beseeching them to seek counselling next door, like some kind of bizarre prophet. All our usual favourites were out, including Crazy Legs, Pink Hat (except now it's a red hat), and that angry-looking young man with the sign that has fake flowers glued to it in the shape of a cross (I forget; did we ever come up with a name for that guy?).

One of our patients was accompanied by two women who wouldn't come in with her; they kept calling her from the parking garage across the street. Eventually they had to make their way over to the clinic, as they had the patient's clothes that she needed to change into, but they were not happy about it. On the one hand I sympathize - it can't be easy to walk through the protesters, especially if you don't absolutely have to; but on the other hand, I felt terrible for that young woman who only had their support up to the parking lot. I would want someone to be there for me.

I can't believe I haven't mentioned this yet: Canadians for Choice is putting on its second annual Choice 101 class. Best news: I'm one of the guest presenters! Check it out and apply here. (Just scroll down past the news alerts). The deadline to apply is Jan. 25th, so get in there!