My morning was slightly staunched by startling pain as something wicked launched itself into my eye while I was out. I am not the type to over exaggerate an injury but whatever this foreign object residing in my optical vicinity was, that s#@t stung! I had hoped it would subside a bit by the time I walked back to the hospital but I was disappointed to find the pain increasing as I made my return. One of the techs noticed my obvious discomfort and we were on our way down to the nursing station when MB appeared out of nowhere (typical) and upon a look at me offered a lovely needle less syringe of sterile saline, with which I promptly flushed that hellfire out of my eye. That was a close one. MB 1 Minor Crises 0.
Later in the day, I asked MB to join us in my office, AKA the window seat in Fredrick's room. I intended to bounce some Halloween oriented ideas off him, as he is currently my only friend in Atlanta. Above other things, when his Murse shows an interest in something, Fredrick has an uncanny way of following. I was hoping to take advantage and engage Fredrick in a little brainstorming or costume planning. While MB and I were discussing my possible fanciful costume options, Fredrick remained resistant to our baiting and allowed not even a morsel of satisfaction in kinship to Halloween finery. He informed us that he doesn't dress up anymore. Unfortunately he then began to have some extreme pain in his legs. It is fairly normal because he suffers from constant neuropathic aches in his legs and groin. I usually try various unsuccessful techniques to lessen it, such as stretching and massaging. As I went over to move his legs I noticed a fair amount of blood on his sheets and like a girly mcgirlypants I freaked out and stammered "MB!" He immediately jumped into a gown (gowns and gloves are required in Fredrick's room due to his condition/s) and we found Fredrick's PICC line (IV) was leaking blood. Granted I am more cautious about Fredrick's various needs than necessary, it feels good to know I am not alone in it. It was BLOOD leaking out people, I'm not a total nutter... Anywho, with his usual dedication to care, MB fixed it all long before our actual nurse got there. MB 2 Major Crises 0.
I was pulled out of the room to speak with one of Fredrick's occupational therapists about a distantly related behavioral issue and true to character MB stayed with Fredrick, even though I have a sneaking suspicion that he was on his break. When I made my way back to the room I passed MB in the hall and he said softly "He wants to be a creature of his own imagination." Those of you who know me well are aware of the joy this brought me. I don't play around when it comes to Halloween and MB had just made possible for me to involve Fredrick in something near and dear to my heart.
MB 3 Soul Crushing Anti Childlike Fredrickisms 0.
I mentioned to Fredrick a few moments later that I had heard that he might be interested in creating a creature costume of his own design and would he permit me a description so I might draw up quick sketch. His response was "Tattletale! MB is a tattletale to you! But yes." MB was kind enough to sharpen me a pencil for my efforts. Sweet success.
In the past I never have been too sold on the stories I have heard people tell about supposed "earth/guardian angels" who appear in their lives to shower them with goodness or assistance; but I am becoming to warm to the opinion that some people may have angels on their side, and we have MB. Tomato, potato as MB would say (much to Fredrick's hilarious chagrin). I could gush about these two wonderful men that have dropped into my life for hours, but it wouldn't do you all any good; because being a witness to their relationship reminds me of the potential of possibilities in this universe. It is heartwarming, it is unique, but mostly it is the very essence from which I draw strength. There is hope to be had and there is always the simple magnificence of compassion. They are an example of what can be when one treats strangers as they would their own family. I know it's what should be done but seldom does one witness it so thoroughly as I have in these short months.
So yes, our famed Murse has cared for me to degrees that I can never hope to repay him for, he has kept my spirits high with his humor and kindness, but he has done me the greatest service by showing Fredrick what is means to be cared for through thick and thin. I understand that few of us ever experience it genuinely, but all of us hope for it. I think it is called unconditional love, and let me tell you, in realtime, it is beautiful.
No comments:
Post a Comment