Here’s to compassionate caregiving

Well, it’s day 10 in the hospital, and my recovery is going well. I’ve never stayed in a hospital overnight before, let alone this long. I’m feeling such immense gratitude for all the nurses who have worked so hard this week to keep me safe and comfortable during the hardest, most vulnerable week of my life. 

So much gratitude. 

Both my mom, Joyce, and [my partner] Nova’s mom, Emily, were nurses. And now I can see first-hand how important their work was, how hard they must have worked, and how much compassion it must have taken to care for those who are suffering week after week. 

There has been a nurse available night and day for me, and they always treat me with respect, dignity and like I was their only patient, even if, as once happened moments before seeing me, trying to keep a person going through alcohol withdrawal from pulling out his tubes and jumping out of bed. Yet, that nurse came into my room with a smile and was there, present. 

Here’s to compassionate caregiving, the delicate art of never letting a person who’s at their most vulnerable and fragile feel like they’re a burden. Of checking your own stuff at the door, and being totally present for whoever is inside the room in need of your support. 

I really needed it this week. 

Note: The comments expressed here do not necessarily represent the views and goals of ONA.