Last time I saw the surgeon he got to play Santa. But I missed one nurse from that day: she saw me into the examining room, and we spoke long enough for me to feel she was one who truly cared about her patients too. She just sparkled. I was impressed, and sorry later to have missed her. I was expecting her to come back in but someone else did instead, the young nurse I surprised with a lace scarf at the end.
Today was my last (oh honey I so hope) post-op at Stanford. A medical assistant told me they were crazy-busy today, that they had 45 patients to get through. Wow. But when Dr. S. came in, one of the first things he said was how much his wife loved her shawl. The man is a peach. (And so is his wife!) He was completely focused on me and on taking care of me and on answering my questions; nothing else intruded. I’d been scoped yesterday? (Thank you Dr. R.!) We discussed where the bleeding had been and for how long–it finally stopped today; he told me why it was normal there with a blockage, and I came away very reassured.
But he also told me to call him next time there’s any such problem, and he clearly meant it. Having done two blockages now, I needed to hear that. Thank you, Dr. S.
Before I left home, I’d put some of the cuter Peruvian fingerpuppets in my purse, and as he was on his way out the door, I gave him a few for future pediatric patients or for children of patients. He looked at the fish and laughed.
I saw that missing nurse briefly again in the hallway as I was coming out. She was talking to another patient, and there was a scale right there with a chair next to it; I commandeered the chair while fishing quickly through my knitting bag for the scarf that had been waiting a month for her. But by the time I got it out of the ziploc, she was walking briskly away.
I called her name after her. That startled her–Who? as she spun around. How did you…?
And then she was exclaiming, “These are my favorite colors! Oh wow!” I told her that a friend of mine had dyed the yarn. (Hey, Lisa–the Mardi Gras colorway in merino. Love it.)
I finally got to tell one more person who deserved it how much her kindness and smile meant each and every day to all the people streaming through those doors. Forty-five people is a lot of eased burdens just today.
She was so thrilled. She so much deserved it. She made me so happy. This is why I do this.
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How wonderful to be able to give back. I bet you made her day!!!!
Comment by Joansie 10.30.09 @ 4:44 amAnd round and round it goes. 🙂
I’m glad you got such reassuring news from such a caring person. I bet you walked a bit lighter afterward.
I raise my knitting to all the good it can – and does – do!
Comment by Suzanne in Mtl 10.30.09 @ 5:07 amI think the most important thing we can say to anyone, by our words or our actions, is “You matter.” It’s not just people who need to hear it. I have some dog and cat friends who rush up to me because they know I’ll do something that shows that they matter. Everybody does matter, and we have to keep getting the word out.
Comment by LauraN 10.30.09 @ 6:03 amThat fish is rather cute! I’m glad you made her day, and no surprise that you picked her favorite colors!
Comment by Channon 10.30.09 @ 6:36 amWonderful! I’m glad you were finally able to make both your days. I was happy to read that Dr. S was his normal wonderful self & reassured you so well. Rest & Knit (for it is the best medicine).
Comment by TripletMom 10.30.09 @ 7:09 amHi, sorry to be missing for so long. Life has happened around here. You are very lucky to have had so many wonderful caregivers. The fish is very cute.
Comment by Sonya 10.30.09 @ 8:49 amOh Alison, I am so glad to hear that things are better. I was away and missed all of the before. I know how important reassurance is and I am glad that you got it!
You Are A Peach!!
Much Love…
I think LauraN has it right — letting people know that they matter. And you certainly do that!
Fun:
Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. 
A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a 
gorgeous young woman on his arm. 
A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, ‘You’re really 
doing great, aren’t you?’ 
Morris replied, ‘Just doing what you said, Doc: ‘Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.” 
The doctor said, ‘I didn’t say that. I said, ‘You’ve got a heart murmur; be careful.’
Comment by Don Meyer 10.30.09 @ 9:34 amAnd you make us happy, Alison. You’re such a kind person–I’m sure the medical people see that a mile away. So glad you’re OK.
Comment by Karen 10.30.09 @ 10:39 amYAY!!! On all fronts, the reassuring news, the nurse getting her bit of gorgeousness, your wonderful doctors, and that adorable fish.
And my doc’s office called, no changes since 2007 on the CT scan!
Awesome. I love these stories.
When my mother had to be rebuilt, I made a baby outfit for her surgeon, who was preg whem Mom was scheduled and the surgery was postponed while she had the baby. I didn’t think of doing things for everybody on the team, and now I think I should have done.
Comment by Margo Lynn 10.30.09 @ 11:52 amLeave a comment
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