Our horizons tend to expand when we find ourselves in a hospital setting. There's probably no other place more exhilarating than the ER. Nowhere else will you find a more diverse group of people. I compare that excitement somewhat to that of say, Grand Central or Penn Stations. No pun intended, but if you want to come alive, you should visit the ER. The hubbub of people rushing to and fro, all with the purpose of keeping us alive and well, is like a breath of fresh air.
The lesson here is appreciation for life and for all those who are so dedicated to preserving it.
I may live to be a hundred years old, and my fascination, more like my gratitude to doctors and nurses will never wane. I consider them real life wizards who continue to perform miracles even under the direst of circumstances. This same heroic trait can be found in our military, police, fire personnel, and even in every-day average people. But with doctors and nurses, I feel there's an almost magical air about them. But I don't want to steer too far from my topic.
I may live to be a hundred years old, and my fascination, more like my gratitude to doctors and nurses will never wane. I consider them real life wizards who continue to perform miracles even under the direst of circumstances. This same heroic trait can be found in our military, police, fire personnel, and even in every-day average people. But with doctors and nurses, I feel there's an almost magical air about them. But I don't want to steer too far from my topic.
1) Getting back to lessons learned at the hospital, humility is probably at the top. Hospitals put us in touch with our mortality. We suddenly become humble amid all the illness, trauma, drama that prevails in this type of setting. And some of us seek a certain closeness to God or to a Higher Being. For the life of me, I will never understand how some regular people can allow rage to overcome them to the point of taking their anger out on those same people who are trying, sometimes desperately, to save their lives.
2) Compassion is another lesson to be learned. Several years ago I was admitted for a severe case of poison ivy. After my condition was under control and finally able to take stock of my surroundings my heart went out to a lady several beds down who kept crying out for help. Obviously the medical staff had done everything within reason for her. I could only resort to prayer for this poor woman as well as for myself, and for everyone else present, doctors, nurses and patients alike. Ten years ago when I was caring for my late husband Victor, I met a Jewish man whose wife was also dying. The man was desperate to save his loving wife, just as I was to save my darling husband. I couldn't save Victor, just like this man couldn't save his wife. I did what I could to comfort the man who didn't believe in Jesus but was desperate to cling to any hope. Handing him a book on the Risen Lord that had been keeping my faith alive, I said to him, "You probably don't believe, but this book might help. It's certainly helped me." His reaction: he practically got on his knees and bowed down to me he was so grateful. In this last story we can relate to so many different lessons to be learned.
3) Contemplation and self-discovery. During short periods of being left alone on my visit to the ER, I contemplated on life and its challenges, how when we allow faith to replace fear, fear disappears. Granted that some of us might be dealing with a terminal illness and much worse have no faith. But it's precisely during that time that God comes to us and let's us know that we are not alone, that He will never let us walk alone.
On a merrier note, I've learned other nice things about hospitals. I'm a real foodie--eating delicious cuisine is very important to me. Though I won't argue that hospital food can be a real disappointment when compared to some fancy gourmet food, the lobby cafe at Hackensack University might not be a bad choice for the value. Lately, many hospitals have their food catered from top chefs. If you're not a patient and the value meal at the lobby cafe doesn't do it for you, you might be able to sneak away for a tastier meal as well as a breath of fresh air.
Going for walks down the corridors or to the lobby gift shop is always an option while your loved one naps. I find the artwork displayed on the corridor walls helps change my perspective for the better. Just as I've done at the Louvre, I tend to lose myself in some of the artwork provided in hospitals. The chapel is wonderful for peace and quiet; and the often zen-like outdoor gardens offer a place for contemplation and meditation.
2) Compassion is another lesson to be learned. Several years ago I was admitted for a severe case of poison ivy. After my condition was under control and finally able to take stock of my surroundings my heart went out to a lady several beds down who kept crying out for help. Obviously the medical staff had done everything within reason for her. I could only resort to prayer for this poor woman as well as for myself, and for everyone else present, doctors, nurses and patients alike. Ten years ago when I was caring for my late husband Victor, I met a Jewish man whose wife was also dying. The man was desperate to save his loving wife, just as I was to save my darling husband. I couldn't save Victor, just like this man couldn't save his wife. I did what I could to comfort the man who didn't believe in Jesus but was desperate to cling to any hope. Handing him a book on the Risen Lord that had been keeping my faith alive, I said to him, "You probably don't believe, but this book might help. It's certainly helped me." His reaction: he practically got on his knees and bowed down to me he was so grateful. In this last story we can relate to so many different lessons to be learned.
3) Contemplation and self-discovery. During short periods of being left alone on my visit to the ER, I contemplated on life and its challenges, how when we allow faith to replace fear, fear disappears. Granted that some of us might be dealing with a terminal illness and much worse have no faith. But it's precisely during that time that God comes to us and let's us know that we are not alone, that He will never let us walk alone.
On a merrier note, I've learned other nice things about hospitals. I'm a real foodie--eating delicious cuisine is very important to me. Though I won't argue that hospital food can be a real disappointment when compared to some fancy gourmet food, the lobby cafe at Hackensack University might not be a bad choice for the value. Lately, many hospitals have their food catered from top chefs. If you're not a patient and the value meal at the lobby cafe doesn't do it for you, you might be able to sneak away for a tastier meal as well as a breath of fresh air.
Going for walks down the corridors or to the lobby gift shop is always an option while your loved one naps. I find the artwork displayed on the corridor walls helps change my perspective for the better. Just as I've done at the Louvre, I tend to lose myself in some of the artwork provided in hospitals. The chapel is wonderful for peace and quiet; and the often zen-like outdoor gardens offer a place for contemplation and meditation.
4) Among the lessons I learned is to never take life for granted. To enjoy every day as if it were my last, to cherish the little things as well as the big ones. And most importantly, to know that God is never far from those who call on Him.
I'm sure I could go on with lessons learned at a hospital, but these were the first to come to mind.
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