The other side

A family member is in the hospital at the moment. I have spent a good deal of time there, sitting in the room, making him as comfortable as I can. I see how the nurses work, how much time passes, how fast/slow the doctors and nurses walk. I shift to the tech side, trying hard to not be "needy," not ask for too much, not stare out the door while they work. I shift to student side, thinking about my family member's diseases, and what really can be done for someone who is 92 years old. I go back to my volunteer mode, helping myself to the blanket warmer, restocking it from the linen closet.

My husband relayed to me a profound statement after my needed debriefing from a long day at work recently. He said I needed to experience all aspects of the healing process to become the best caregiver possible. And, here I am, absorbing another side of the puzzle.