Shooting more complicated fish in a barrel…
This was on the wall outside a restroom at Narita Airport:
I have a fairly large vocabulary, but I didn’t know what “Ostimate” was until I looked it up. It refers to a person who has had an “ostomy” which is (it seems) an entire class of surgical procedures dealing with the re-routing of urinary and excretory function. The most commonly known one being a “colostomy”.
So, this is an example of a sign that appears, at first glance, to be needlessly obtuse, but is in fact extremely helpful. I would assume that to someone to whom this notice is targeted, the utility and clarity is clear. There is no doubt. And I also assume that it is deeply and practically appreciated.
This humble blogger for one, is humbled. And educated. And more attentive as a result…
hmmmm…
…stay tuned!
I am a 40 year old woman who on my 39th birthday was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Much too young for this. Over the next year I found out what it was like to become an “ostimate”. I would have much rather had your education but anyways… I was looking for clothing online and your blog showed up and I wanted you to know that I appreciate how you wrote about it. Wish there were more like you in this world.
Rhonda
P.S. put up a huge fight and now cancer free but will be an ostimate the rest of my life. I am alive and that is what counts.