Interview with Christine Sykes [CS]

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Interview with Christine Sykes [CS] Interview with Christine Sykes [CS] Occupation: Fisherman’s wife Port Community: Point Judith, RI Interviewer: Angela Wilson Date: January 5, 2012 Catch Share Oral Histories Project – NOAA Fisheries Logger/Transcriber: Elizabeth Wetterhahn INDEX: [minutes:seconds] Sykes Home, Wakefield, RI Interview [00:00] AW: For the record, this is Angela Wilson, and it is January 5, 2012. And I am at 1974 Ministerial Road. And I’m here with Christine Sykes. I need you to state for the recording that you have read, agreed to, and signed the release form. CS: I have read, agreed to, and signed the release form. AW: Wonderful. To begin, could you start out by stating your name and address, your homeport, vessel name, and how you’re related to a fisherman. If he’s in a sector or not. And sort, of how old you are, if you don’t mind me asking. CS: Alright, my name is Christine Sykes. I’m 60. I live at 1974 Ministerial Road in Wakefield, [Rhode Island]. My husband fishes on the Virginia Marise out of Galilee, RI, and he is in a sector. AW: He is. And what number sector is he in, do you know? CS: No. AW: And you know what’s horrible, I interviewed your husband and I can’t remember either. CS: Oh. AW: But, I’m sure that we’ll look at the transcripts. So, to sort of start out this interview, we sort of just want to get a… sort of an idea of your story, your family’s story. So, for example, where you’re from, how long you’ve been here, your structure of your family, and some of your educational background. Maybe how you even met your husband. 1 CS: Well, I grew up in Blackstone, MA. And I was taking classes at URI in Providence, but then I ran out of classes to take there, so I moved down here in 1980. Worked at George’s part time, and that’s where I met Rodman. It’s a fisherman’s restaurant. AW: And was he fishing in Point Judith at that point already? CS: Yeah, but he was fishing on the Deborah Leigh, which he eventually bought. But he was a deckhand then. AW: And did you finish your degree at the University of Rhode Island? CS: Yes, I have two of them that I never did anything with. AW: Oh, really? What do you have degrees in? CS: Food science and mechanical engineering. AW: Mechanical engineering… holy cannoli. And how long have you lived here? Since 1980? CS: Yeah. Not in this house, but I’ve been down here in South County since 1980. AW: And no children? Just the two of you? CS: Yeah. Just the two of us. AW: And a pack of wild dogs? CS: Yeah, usually. We have four. AW: And when did your husband get involved in fisheries? In fishing? CS: Oh, well like 17 years old. He used to work for his grandfather. AW: So he’s been fishing pretty much his entire adult life? CS: Yeah. AW: And did he start off as, like any other greenhorn, a deckhand? CS: Yeah. AW: And worked his way up? CS: Yeah. Started out as cook. 2 AW: As cook? CS: Yeah, that’s how… out there anyway, how you start off. AW: And did he… he moved up to captain and then eventually boat owner? CS: Yes. AW: And does he captain his boat that he owns now? CS: Yes. He and two crewmen. AW: And what does he… what species does he usually target? [03:31] CS: Finfish. Depends on what’s running. I guess they’re getting yellowtail lately ‘cause they’re there. Codfish when they’re around. It’s just whatever’s available. Sometimes squid. AW: What has been the most common that he’s talked about over the last couple of years? CS: Well, they can’t catch flounder anymore, but that was a big one. Yellowtail and fluke. AW: And does he go out for long periods of time? CS: No. When I first met him, he used to. That was before cell phone days, so I never knew when he was coming home and stuff. And now its… well, now, you know, because of the limits, he’s got to come in every day. Which is weird, ‘cause I have to cook every night. Oh yeah. You know, you’re used to being alone for two or three days, four days. AW: Yeah. CS: Now that he’s home every night, its like geez. AW: Yeah, my husband goes out for two weeks. CS: Oh, yeah. AW: If he came home every night, I don’t know what I’d do with him. I like him around, but…. CS: Yeah. 3 AW: You know, sometimes I like my own…. CS: Yeah, yeah. AW: I get it. Since sectors have begun… what was that, in 2010? Has what he fishes for changed? Have you noticed? Or the amount of time he spends fishing, has that changed? CS: Sometimes he puts long days in now. Like, you know, he’d be in by 2 or 3, sometimes he doesn’t come home ‘til 6 or 7. But I don’t notice any difference in the way he fishes. AW: And how about your household structure? Has that changed at all or is it pretty much the same as before sectors? CS: Except financially, it’s the same. We’re doing much better financially. AW: You are doing much better financially then? CS: Yeah. AW: Well, that’s a plus, right? CS: Yeah. AW: Do you work? CS: Yes. AW: And has your percentage of income towards the household changed over the last few years? Like before sectors and after sectors? CS: No, it’s the same. AW: It’s the same. And we’re here at your beautiful home… would you consider this a fishing community? This particular neighborhood that you live in? CS: No. AW: And how about your social structures? Do you tend to hang out with other fishermen or their wives or other people that work in fisheries? CS: Well, he does. But we don’t really hang out with people now. I mean, we know a lot of people but we don’t like go to their houses or go out to dinner with them. But if we did, that’s who it would be. 4 [06:13] AW: Other people that are fishermen or their wives? CS: I think so, yeah. AW: Yeah? And have you, in the past, had that sort of social…. CS: Yeah, we were a little more active when we were younger. AW: And when you were younger you tended to hang out with fishermen and their families? CS: Yeah. AW: And do you have any people in your social circle that are not fishermen? CS: Yes. AW: And do you spend more time with them than you do with fishermen? CS: As a couple? AW: Yeah. Like, you know birthday parties or coffee and lunch or something. CS: I can’t answer that…. I don’t know. AW: Alright. Let’s see, how about, in your opinion, were there any years that were better for the fishing industry than others? CS: Well, when I first was around, I thought it was better. You know, there weren’t so many restrictions on them. AW: In the early ‘80s? CS: Yeah, mid to late. AW: Mid to late ‘80s? CS: Yeah. You know, they didn’t have to, you know, count every fish that comes over. And you know, he’s… like, he doesn’t really complain about too much, but when he does, I can’t stand [it]. AW: Yeah. 5 CS: You know, he used to enjoy fishing and he doesn’t really anymore. AW: He doesn’t? CS: No. AW: Oh, that’s a shame. CS: I mean, it’s the life, you know? His grandfather and uncles were fishermen. AW: So he has, you know, fishermen in his family? CS: Yeah. AW: Way back? CS: Yeah. He’s the only one left doing it, but…. AW: And do you have any nieces or nephews or…. CS: Yeah. AW: And none of them fish? CS: No. Well, they’re a little too young but, he’s got a brother who works down at the docks. AW: And does he have children, his brother? CS: Yeah, the two nephews. And they’re like 5 and 8, so…. AW: Oh, so no one knows what they’ll do yet. CS: Yeah. I would imagine they would, but…. AW: So you did mention that your income has gone up since sectors started. CS: Yeah. AW: So would you say that your quality of life has also improved? CS: Well, I’m not much of a spender so… I mean, I like save more and try to pay off the mortgage, you know. I’m putting more towards that. Well, I guess so. You know, sometimes I splurge. I splurge more now than I used to. ‘Cause I’m pretty tight with the dollar. 6 AW: Yeah. CS: He’s not, he gets what he wants. AW: Yeah. CS: You know, yeah. No matter what. Before, you know…. AW: So…. CS: So yeah, I guess so. AW: So you still have…. CS: Yeah, I don’t worry about things. No, well actually it’s like when’s the other shoe going to drop, you know? When’s this going to stop, you know? When’s the paychecks going to stop…? AW: Yeah.
Recommended publications
  • FRANKLIN A. LINDEBURG March 24, 1998
    Transcription of an Oral History Interview with FRANKLIN A. LINDEBURG March 24, 1998 Following is an oral history interview that is being conducted on Tuesday, March 24, 1998, with Franklin A. Lindeburg, who came to the UCR campus as one of its original faculty members. He served as a coach and athletic director and taught several theory and activity courses before retiring in 1988. My name is Jan Erickson. I work in Chancellor Raymond L. Orbach’s office. He is the eighth chief campus officer of the Riverside campus. Erickson: This interview is with Franklin A. Lindeburg, who we will refer to as Lindy, because everyone seems to know him as that. Lindy, would you tell us a little about where you were born and your mother and father? Lindeburg: I was born in San Francisco. Do you want the date? (laughter) Erickson: Well, not necessarily. Lindeburg: I was born in San Francisco. My mother and father were divorced when I was about ten years old so I lived with my mother. I lived in San Francisco my freshman year in high school. Then we moved down the peninsula, and I went to Sequoia High School. Then we moved to Sacramento where we lived in the North Sacramento area, and I went to Grant Union High School. Erickson: What did your father do? Lindeburg: My father was a jeweler in San Francisco, a very prominent jeweler. But the divorce and the Depression upset things a little bit. So things were good for a while, and then they weren’t good for a while.
    [Show full text]
  • Tenth of December
    Fiction October 31, 2011 Issue By George Saunders October 24, 2011 Photograph by Riitta Päiväläinen he pale boy with unfortunate Prince Valiant bangs and cublike mannerisms hulked to the mudroom closet and requisitioned T Dad’s white coat. Then requisitioned the boots he’d spray-painted white. Painting the pellet gun white had been a no. That was a gift from Aunt Chloe. Every time she came over he had to haul it out so she could make a big stink about the woodgrain. Today’s assignation: walk to pond, ascertain beaver dam. Likely he would be detained. By that species that lived amongst the old rock wall. They were small but, upon emerging, assumed certain proportions. And gave chase. This was just their methodology. His aplomb threw them loops. He knew that. And revelled it. He would turn, level the pellet gun, intone: Are you aware of the usage of this human implement? Blam! They were Netherworlders. Or Nethers. They had a strange bond with him. Sometimes for whole days he would just nurse their wounds. Occasionally, for a joke, he would shoot one in the butt as it ed. Who henceforth would limp for the rest of its days. Which could be as long as an additional nine million years. Safe inside the rock wall, the shot one would go, Guys, look at my butt. As a group, all would look at Gzeemon’s butt, exchanging sullen glances of: Gzeemon shall indeed be limping for the next nine million years, poor bloke. Because yes: Nethers tended to talk like that guy in “Mary Poppins.” Which naturally raised some mysteries as to their origin here on Earth.
    [Show full text]
  • When You Reach Me but You Will Get the Job Done
    OceanofPDF.com 2 Table of Contents Things You Keep in a Box Things That Go Missing Things You Hide The Speed Round Things That Kick Things That Get Tangled Things That Stain Mom’s Rules for Life in New York City Things You Wish For Things That Sneak Up on You Things That Bounce Things That Burn The Winner’s Circle Things You Keep Secret Things That Smell Things You Don’t Forget The First Note Things on a Slant White Things The Second Note Things You Push Away Things You Count Messy Things Invisible Things Things You Hold On To Salty Things Things You Pretend Things That Crack Things Left Behind The Third Note Things That Make No Sense The First Proof Things You Give Away Things That Get Stuck Tied-Up Things Things That Turn Pink Things That Fall Apart 3 Christmas Vacation The Second Proof Things in an Elevator Things You Realize Things You Beg For Things That Turn Upside Down Things That Are Sweet The Last Note Difficult Things Things That Heal Things You Protect Things You Line Up The $20,000 Pyramid Magic Thread Things That Open Things That Blow Away Sal and Miranda, Miranda and Sal Parting Gifts Acknowledgments About the Author 4 To Sean, Jack, and Eli, champions of inappropriate laughter, fierce love, and extremely deep questions 5 The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. —Albert Einstein The World, As I See It (1931) 6 Things You Keep in a Box So Mom got the postcard today. It says Congratulations in big curly letters, and at the very top is the address of Studio TV-15 on West 58th Street.
    [Show full text]
  • Markmonitor Anti-Counterfeiting Q&A | Akino Chikada |
    COUNTERFEIT PURCHASES: DELIBERATE OR NOT? KGO interviews MarkMonitor brand protection expert, Akino Chikada to learn about the latest counterfeit trends. Akino Chikada, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, MarkMonitor Akino started her career in public relations and marketing in London and has worked in Europe, Asia and the United States. She has led and served interim roles in global marketing strategies, product marketing, events management, public relations, corporate communications and regional marketing. Akino holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University College of London, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, and has trilingual fluency in English, Italian and Japanese. 1 Anti-Counterfeiting Q&A | Akino Chikada Q&A Counterfeit goods pervade online marketplaces, but are consumers who purchase these products doing so intentionally, or are they being duped? Michael Finney of Consumer Talk on KGO radio delved into the subject with Akino Chikada, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at MarkMonitor, referencing the recently released 2016 MarkMonitor Online Shopping Barometer. So, you guys released your annual report, which you guys call a barometer. What did you find this year, how are things going? Are people buying counterfeits on purpose or are they 23% being tricked into it? What are you finding? Excellent question. So this year a couple of interesting thoughts, so 23 Customers who percent of the consumers we surveyed, have unwilling or unknowingly have unwillingly or purchased a fake product. So, they purchased a counterfeit product unknowingly purchased online and to our point, yes, 18 percent of the shoppers have intentionally a fake product. bought a counterfeit product.
    [Show full text]
  • Trigger Warning] This Piece Alludes to Topics That Could Be Sensitive for Some Audience Members
    Silence Is By Samantha Hageman [Trigger warning] This piece alludes to topics that could be sensitive for some audience members. If you feel the need to leave at any time, please feel free to do so. Enjoy the show. [Lights] It was my first time away from home. I was scared and excited at the same time. I didn’t really know how to handle myself, what to do. They don’t really teach you that kind of stuff before you get to college. You’re warned “Watch out at parties,” “Cover your drinks,” “Don’t go out alone,”...no one really tells you how to behave, and you’re just looking to have a good time. My roommate, Theresa, wanted to go. She didn’t want to go alone, and I wasn’t about to let her. She wants to get to know as many people as quickly as possible, join everything...I’m not so outgoing. But, I figured if I stuck with her, I’d be alright. We got to the party. It was dark, there was music blasting, alcohol at the bar- I assume the usual college party setting. The guys were weirdly lined up against the wall with their drinks in their hand, only really moving away to grab a girl from the middle of the room to bring her back to the wall and start dancing- no- grinding with her. I wasn’t comfortable with doing that, at least not without a few drinks in me. Theresa must have seen that I was nervous, so she handed me a cup.
    [Show full text]
  • Songs for Waiters: a Lyrical Play in Two Acts
    SONGS FOR WAITERS: A LYRICAL PLAY IN TWO ACTS Thesis Submitted to The College of Arts and Sciences of the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON In Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for The Degree of Master of Arts in English By Andrew Eberly Dayton, Ohio May, 2012 SONGS FOR WAITERS: A LYRICAL PLAY IN TWO ACTS Name: Eberly, Andrew M. APPROVED BY: ___________________ Albino Carillo, M.F.A. Faculty Advisor ____________________ John P. McCombe, Ph.D. Faculty Reader ____________________ Andrew Slade, Ph.D. Faculty Reader ii ABSTRACT SONGS FOR WAITERS: A LYRICAL PLAY IN TWO ACTS Name: Eberly, Andrew M. University of Dayton Advisor: Albino Carillo, M.F.A. Through the creative mediums of lyrical poetry, monologues, and traditional dramatic scenes, Songs for Waiters concerns an owner and two employees at an urban bar/restaurant. Through their work, their interactions with the public and each other, and reflecting on their own lives, the three men unpack contemporary debates on work, violence, and sexuality. The use of lyrical poetry introduces the possibility of these portions of the play being put to music in a performance setting, as the play is written to be workshopped and performed live in the future. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………….…………..…iii ACT I…………………………………………………………………………...…………1 ACT II……………………………………………………………………………………35 iv ACT I The play begins with no actors onstage. The set consists of café tables upstage right and left and a bar upstage center. The décor is that of a classic bar with some history. The bar is George’s—known for good food. It’s independent, casual, eclectic, open late, and located on High Street in Columbus, Ohio.
    [Show full text]
  • Interview #11
    United States Institute of Peace Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training Iraq PRT Experience Project INTERVIEW #11 Interviewed by: Marilyn Greene Initial Interview date: March 11, 2008 Copyright 2008 USIP & ADST Executive Summary Interviewee was deputy director of the National Coordination Team, with headquarters in Baghdad. He describes the theoretical structure of the PRT “a military and civilian team, headed by a Foreign Service officer. The deputy of the team would be military.” The concept was practical, he said, but the execution was problematic: “It wasn’t quite as clear cut as you might think it would be.” Military people found civilian team leaders more independent than military people would be … “a lot more autonomous or independent that you expect a subordinate commander would be in the actual military.” Resourcing and staffing were the biggest issues. The NCT did not come with a budget, as laid out in Baghdad 4045. “The concept… worked fine when State Department was paying the bill. When DOD had to pay for the bill, it collapsed. The problem is when you have two organizations that are trying to cooperate on this, and you don’t have everyone with the real buy-in to do it” Huge problem: Individuals being graded by people who were not actually their supervisors. Some people were more suited than others to serve with the PRTs. Peace Corps experience was ideal. Another need is for people willing to work together, to cooperate, toward a mutual goal. Regulations surrounding personal security could be confusing. For example, there was movement security from point A to point B, but what happened after that was sometimes unclear.
    [Show full text]
  • EXPERT ADVICE for STRENGTHENING YOUR BUSINESS <<
    >> EXPERT ADVICE FOR STRENGTHENING YOUR BUSINESS << Master the non-verbal Get back to the basics Send the right message Operate with a plan Learn from the prosperous Focus on your strengths Exceed expectations Capitalize on opportunities A BOATING INDUSTRY WHITE PAPER CONTENTS THE POWER OF THE NON-VERBAL 5 REASONS WHY STRONG 3 By Matt Gruhn with Duane Spader 11 DEALERS PROSPER By David Parker, Parker Business Planning GE’S SIX TIPS FOR SURVIVAL 5 By Matt Gruhn FOCUS ON YOUR 13 STRONGEST BRANDS EFFECTIVE MARKETING IN By Phil Dyskow, Yamaha Marine Group 7 A TOUGH ENVIRONMENT By Dale Barnes, Yamaha Marine Group 15 EXCEED EXPECTATIONS By Debbie Davis, Waypoint Group, Inc. 9 OPERATE WITH A PLAN By Noel Osborne, Consultant MYRIAD OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE 17 By Phil Keeter, Marine Retailers Association of America Back to Basics hen the economy is booming and boats Business basics seemingly sail out of the dealership, it’s easy W to forget the trials and tribulations that pre- can sustain marine ceeded this period of prosperity. Like most retail channels, the marine industry is dealers — even cyclical. But the huge investment in inventory and staff required to run a successful dealership can turn sour during tough times. when the economy isn’t so hot, as many dealers are find- ing out. Reactionary measures may sustain a dealer in the short-term but aren’t likely to help in the long run. Boating Industry spoke with top consultants and industry experts to get their take on surviving and thriv- ing during all economic conditions. Although the experts vary widely among their positions in the industry, a num- ber of common themes emerged from their responses.
    [Show full text]
  • K Is for Killer
    "K" is for KILLER Sue Grafton (A Kinsey Millhone Mystery) Chapter 1 The statutory definition of homicide is the "unlawful killing of one human being by another." Sometimes the phrase "with malice" is employed, the concept serving to distinguish murder from the numerous other occasions in which people deprive each other of life – wars and executions coming foremost to mind. "Malice" in the law doesn't necessarily convey hatred or even ill will but refers instead to a conscious desire to inflict serious injury or cause death. In the main, criminal homicide is an intimate, personal affair insofar as most homicide victims are killed by close relatives, friends, or acquaintances. Reason enough to keep your distance, if you're asking me. In Santa Teresa, California, approximately eighty-five percent of all criminal homicides are resolved, meaning that the assailant is identified, apprehended, and the question of guilt or innocence is adjudicated by the courts. The victims of unsolved homicides I think of as the unruly dead: persons who reside in a limbo of their own, some state between life and death, restless, dissatisfied, longing for release. It's a fanciful notion for someone not generally given to flights of imagination, but I think of these souls locked in an uneasy relationship with those who have killed them. I've talked to homicide investigators who've been caught up in similar reveries, haunted by certain victims who seem to linger among us, persistent in their desire for vindication. In the hazy zone where wakefulness fades into sleep, in that leaden moment just before the mind sinks below consciousness, I can sometimes hear them murmuring.
    [Show full text]
  • Police Response to Gangs: a Multi-Site Study
    The author(s) shown below used Federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and prepared the following final report: Document Title: Police Response to Gangs: A Multi-Site Study Author(s): Charles M. Katz; Vincent J. Webb Document No.: 205003 Date Received: April 2004 Award Number: 98-IJ-CX-0078 This report has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice. To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this Federally- funded grant final report available electronically in addition to traditional paper copies. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Police Response to Gangs: A Multi-Site Study 1 Prepared for the National Institute of Justice by Charles M. Katz Vincent J. Webb Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology December 2003 Phoenix, Arizona 1 This research report was funded by the National Institute of Justice, Grant No. 1998-IJ-CX-0078. The opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the National Institute of Justice. Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................ i Research Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................ i Research Design and Methodology.................................................................................. i Research Results and Conclusions..................................................................................ii
    [Show full text]
  • I Thoroughly Enjoyed Every Page.' Friendship And
    ‘One of those books that completely draws you in . I thoroughly enjoyed every page.’ The Overflowing Library ‘A moving road-movie tale about tolerance, friendship and being different.’ WRD ‘A real coming of age book . A great read.’ Sarah’s Book Reviews ‘I’m going to be pressing my copy into the hands of other readers, I want everyone to spend time with Dane and Billy D.’ Juniper’s Jungle ‘I definitely recommend this book.’ Choose YA ‘I loved this touching story of friendship, self-discovery and belonging. Dane, with his tough-guy reputation and Billy D., vulnerable and open, are the beating heart of this story.’ Thoughts from the Hearthfire ‘There are not enough stars to rate this book.’ Teacher Moloney King Praise for Butter ‘Powerful and courageous.’ Booktrust ‘Incredible, poignant and affecting.’ Jake Hope, children’s librarian and Blue Peter Judge ‘Dark and humorous.’ Telegraph ‘There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing this novel is.’ My Heart Hearts Books ‘Am I a bully even if I don’t participate? If I just stand by silent? The most accessible book I’ve read which forces you to consider whether you’re guilty of the same sins you’ll judge other characters for.’ Celia Gray ‘I love it. It reminds me a bit of John Green’s A Fault in Our Stars and R. J. Palacio’s Wonder.’ Victoria Park Bookshop ‘I loved Butter, as much as you can love a book so dark. I cried at least once . The premise was morbid but it was handled in such an honest, raw and sensitive way that I never felt it was being sensationalist just for the sake of it.’
    [Show full text]
  • I Shrugged. “I Never Knew Him. He Was Just Some Guy My Mum Slept with One Night.” “So Your Gran's Been Looking After
    I shrugged. “I never knew him. He was just some guy my mum slept with one night.” “So your gran’s been looking after you since you were a baby?” “Yeah, my mum had to go back to work straight after she had me, so Gram was looking after me most of the time any- way. After Mum died, Gram just carried on bringing me up.” Dr. Kirby smiled. “You call her Gram?” “Yeah,” I said, slightly embarrassed. “I don’t know why . it’s just what I call her. Always have.” He nodded again. “She’s a very determined and resolute woman.” “I know.” “She hasn’t left your side for the last seventeen days. She’s been here day and night, talking to you, watching you . encouraging you to wake up.” I just nodded my head. I was afraid that if I said anything, I might start crying. Dr. Kirby smiled. “She must mean a lot to you.” “She means everything to me.” He smiled again, stood up, and put his hand on my shoul- der. “Right then, Tom . well, I’ve given your gran a direct phone number in case you need to contact us urgently when you’re at home. So, as I said, any problems, just tell your gran or call us yourself. Have you got a mobile phone?” I tapped the side of my head. He grinned. “Yeah,” I told him. “I’ve got a mobile phone.” 1 4 iBoy_3P.indd 14 7/20/11 12:12 PM Later on, in the hospital toilets, I took a good long look at myself in the mirror for the first time.
    [Show full text]