Thankful & Grateful

On a sunny day in 2018, I sat in an ambulance on the way to the emergency room at a local hospital. I didn’t plan to be there again, but my palpitating heart needed to be checked on, and the paramedics urged me to go. I knew it was an attack; I had just posted about the last episode of palpitations that happened years ago.

I was checked out, and after a full cardiac workup, I was sent home well. It was my fault. I had just eaten, then I bent over to clean my pantry. What a good lesson I learned about sitting down after a meal. I knew it wasn’t anything serious, but I’m glad that I had the opportunity to get the checkup. I hadn’t had one in some years. "You didn’t have a heart-attack, there are no blockages, and the hole in your heart is still closed. I am not prescribing any medications; whatever you are doing, keep doing it," the cardiologist encouraged.

For two days, I sat in a hospital bed, being served and cared for by some of the most amazing people. I was transported various times by a friendly young man named Todd. I was cared for by various young nurses, one named Mary. Three gentlemen about my age, who put me through a cardiac stress test after they fought just to get a good vein. And a very kind young lady who performed my cardiac sonogram.

I had gone through all of these procedures before in prior years, but this time I noticed two things: that I wasn’t afraid for my life, and how much I still value all of those caregivers who have helped to sustain my life.

I once wrote a thank-you letter to the local newspaper, not for any recognition for me, but just so I could say, “Thank You.” As patients, we come and go, but very few of us ever get the opportunity to give back to those who have given so much loving, gentle care to us. In the most precarious situations, those care providers offer their lives to save ours.

They are the hardest-working, self-sacrificing people God has called to service, next to military personnel. They are the first to run into trouble, and they stay through the trouble until the trouble is over. God has given them an unwavering calling to care, and their gift of life-sustaining support is amazing. Not everyone can care to that capacity. And not everyone has the depth of heart that: Doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and educators do. After our shift is over, we can rest, but they keep going, so we can rest. Although they are human, they give supernatural love.

When I was a little girl, my dream was to become a nurse. I had watched how loving and comforting they were to me as I was being cared for because of a heart defect. They made a lasting impression on my life. Due to illness, I didn’t get to become a part of the wonderful family of professional nursing, but they still leave an impression on my life; one that I used to care for my clients as a home health aide. I am thankful for your service, and grateful for you helping to sustain my life. May God bless you and your families and keep all of you safe and healthy. And may God return love to all of you in the same spirit of love we have received from you. THANK YOU!!!