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Quite often I talk about what is wrong with the healthcare industry and how to navigate this arena without cashing in your 401K, signing up for a loan and buying the next ticket to a Nasa Mission Trip.

But this week I want to talk about what is good with our healthcare system, specifically some professionals.  I have met people who quietly go about their jobs and in doing so they make a great difference for each and every person they meet and serve.  Thad’s coronary artery bypass graft surgery required him to be in the hospital for 5 days.  During his stay we met a myriad of doctors, nurses, technicians in all areas of this facility.  Let me introduce to you some of them.

• Glendon was the Surgical Waiting Room team member who tended to the family members of those having surgery. He was the smile that met you as he inquired about you, who you were here with and how he could best serve you.  He would help family members decipher the information board, check on the status of their loved one and even which area within the large room was the coolest or warmest depending on the need.  He would circle back around to Francesca and I and asked if we were ok.  He even found out what room Thad was assigned to and came and checked on how Thad and I were fairing several days into his stay.
• Claribel, the CNA  made sure that Thad was washed and cleaned every morning and had his basic toilet needs met.
• Let us not forget the nurses whether they were on days or nights, had two patients assigned to them or 4 or more who were always kind, professional yet personal.  They made Thad feel as comfortable as possible with all the invasive wires and drains.
• While the rules in Pre Op stated only one designated family member could come see the patient for five minutes, the pre op nurse later called Francesca (our daughter) to say that if she would like to see her father prior to surgery she could.
• Meg, the nurse in ICU made it a point to educate us on what was going on with him postoperatively and educated us as to what we could expect. She took the time to explain exactly what his blood pressure, sugar, pulse rate and the plethora of wires that made him look like a “Borg” in an episode on Star Trek.  She encouraged us to “lean in and love on him” while she quietly worked around us.
• Jasmine, who at 27 was a seasoned cardiac nurse and through her knowledge gave us comfort and reassurance with their care.
• Through it all we felt safe in the hands of these professionals but we also felt like there were our friends.

Hospitalizations are never easy to navigate.  Finding your way in what is now a maze of parking garages, buildings, waiting rooms, ICU’s, Post Op, various floors, chapels, and cafeterias can be challenging alone without the added worry of how your loved one would fare.

It’s the people that make the difference.  It’s the way they use their God given talents, the skills, and education to help you navigate that colors your world with hope, peace, grace, and gratitude. These men and women bring God’s word to life – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men” Colossians 3:23. 

Today, while our system of medicine is complex, convoluted, less friendly; my family witnessed firsthand the kindness,  compassion and care that helps make people well.

We hear so much bad in the news and in the world.  But this week I saw people quietly going about their work with love and passion and compassion. They are what is truly newsworthy.

God bless Glendon, Claribel, the prep op nurse, Meg, and Jasmine because we saw Jesus this week.

These people are the hands and feet of Christ and we were blessed to be helped by them.  Thank you, Lord for your children who serve as your angels for I have seen Jesus.

Have you seen “Jesus with skin on?  Where have you seen Jesus?  When were you the hands and feet of Jesus?  Share so other may know the good that still exists in what can be a worrisome world.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.