Brenda's Story

5/2007

Words of kindness can be a special part of healing
IF it is spoken truthfully from one's heart.

On a surgical cart I was asked to lie. The University of Michigan Medical team that consisted of doctors and nurses came my way on Monday, April 09, 2007. They wanted to prepare me for surgery, while I was on the surgical cart in which I laid, in this area called pre-op in which I stayed.

They started an intravenous device which is called an IV in my right arm. They stated to me that it wouldn't cause me any harm. This device was to feed fluids through my veins. This is the first quarter of the surgical games. The IV's plan is to assist in making my surgery complete, so that I could withstand the pain that I was about to enter in. This is what I'm quoting to you my friends.

While lying on that surgical cart with no one by my side, I had in my view that there were other patients that had families and friends at their side. This made me wonder why didn't I. I began to think back, what had happened to me earlier that day as I turned my head and looked away.

First of all, I was one hundred and forty miles, one way, from my home. My driver had dropped me off at the hospital door. Walking through that door on my own is when I began to really feel alone. It would have been nice to have a family member to escort me in or to have a friend to hold my hand. But, my story does not end here my friend.

As I continue to lie down on the surgical cart with my head elevated high, while waiting all alone, I felt so empty inside. I closed my eyes and I began to pray. I asked God to fill my needs and to send someone special my way; that is what I had to say.

You walked into the pre-op area, to the cart where I continued to lie. You asked me a question of how I was doing today. You must have though that I was insane because the answer to your question I had detained. But, all and all I replied I have no family with me today as I looked into your eyes. (My body was trembling inside, as I fought back the tears that were ready to overflow my eyes).

You stated to me "Don't worry I will be your family today." (Hearing you say these words made my tears and fears jump ship and they floated away). Knowing that a special someone did care enough for me, and that special someone, would be performing my surgery made me feel more relaxed and somewhat glee. It was as though you had given me an IV push of medications through my IV. All this was because you considered me as part of your family. I gave you honors for a job well done. You are a very caring physician. Your qualities of caring are rare; you seem to bond well with your patients. This information is vital and this I must and need to share. God bless you.

This thank you comes from within my heart.