Wayne Magazine May 2020 | Page 23

Then, there are things I hope I NEVER forget... Knowing I work with an amazing tribe of nurses and techs and respiratory therapists and radiology staff and environmental (And! And! And!) who rose – and continue to rise to the challenge; every day in every way. Seeing the teamwork and comradery as we shout or whisper or knock for what we need ... the “ask” is always answered. Hearing the private conversations between our patients and their loved ones who grasp just how precious each brief opportunity is to express how they feel. Cheering for someone whose life could have gone either way as they are wheeled to fresh air and freedom. Hearing the music overhead, signaling more as a fight song than a single victory. The weary, tearful, grateful look of joy as a coworker enjoys her first hot cup of coffee she can APPRECIATE, without toiling in chaos in WEEKS. The brief time we take to stop and reflect on our deeply shared experience. To check on each other, and comfort each other, and find humor in pain. Finding time (and strength) to wash and comb someone’s hair. Clean every inch of their body. Massage, cushion, position. Chat cheerfully without reply. Clean up a disaster of a room. Update a grateful family and hold the phone to their ear so they can listen to their loved one. And then, just as I turn the handle to open the door to leave – hear a squeaked out “thank you.” Witnessing a series of last rites/prayers via Facetime. Surrounded by people of all faiths and walks of life ...all stopping for a moment to listen. Pray. Add wishes of comfort. Thanking the priest in unison and receiving an emotional prayer for safety in return. Humans can be beautiful. The precious conversations/texts with people from every chapter in my book, who share a little piece of themselves, a little worry, a little gratitude, a little light. And the generosity of some who send gifts to help protect me during a time when they understandably could just protect themselves. Seeing which beloved physicians are truly the tireless heroes we always knew they were. Walking on every unit, every day, into every room without complaint and still wearing a sad sprinkle of a smile under their mask. Even when deeply grieving their own fresh loss … And in stark contrast, which ones actively shirked the danger and delegated the risk. Knowing I work for one of the “good ones” in this country. Forward thinking, sense of community, protective of staff...actively trying to be better every day and serve both their community and employees. Also, knowing I have a direct leader with insight, knowledge, compassion, humor, and hands on – deep in her core – kick-ass integrity. I hope we all get the opportunity to grow from this experience. To be a little less selfish. To remember our tenuous links to each other during tragedy should be honored once this shadow lifts. To learn from our mistakes and remember what’s important. And I hope we have the resiliency to forget what weakens us, and remember what gives us life. CHILTON MAGAZINE SPRING 2020