Humble Hospital Tale

I am not a storyteller, but I tell you one today.

A few years back, I got severely sick and I was rushed to a hospital. It was early morning, almost dawn. Two nurses came running to my friends with all sorts of questions to get data for a complete idea of the situation. They spoke Telugu, the local language. My incompetency at Telugu was costing me time. The sickness made me scream at them, instead, for not speaking English. 

As I was getting treated, I started reflecting on my behaviour. I felt terrible. I felt ashamed. I felt little. The entire time I remained admitted, surviving on a nasogastric tube I was contemplating about my unacceptable behaviour. The machines beeping at medical rhythm were the only distractions as if they agreed at my bad conduct. 

On the third day, when I could finally speak a bit with chapped lips, I requested that my friends should be allowed to visit me. One of them had taken note of the doctors and nurses who took care of my arrival at the emergency department. On that note, people with details about life are the kind of people you want to call your friends. 

When I was finally declared fit to be released off from ICU straight to go home, I felt the worse about myself. I must do what I had to do. I found those doctors and nurses that I had shouted at that night and apologized sincerely. Strangely, they all forgave me, stating that they understood my anxiety. Their response made me peaceful again. 

I cannot help but marvel at the medical world. Not just they tolerate the ugly sickness, but also the nasty sick people. Hours, sometimes days, of strenuous duty and still they are polite. may be it is a sworn part of their jobs. Nonetheless, they adhere to the code. Honestly, in a hospital, a patient is always at the privilege end. The patient can scream, can cry, can vomit. The medical staff is the silent victim. Despite everything, they do their best to save the arrogant ass of their patients. 

Have you known a doctor personally? They are so composed. I don't know if it is the years of heavy book lifting, or seeing the transientness of life that makes them so disciplined, calm and ready. They are inspirational. They set an example, a certain standard for life conduct. Befriend a doctor if you can. There is so much to learn from them. 

It is just another workplace, but the only place where life is under knife literally. If they can show understanding for unreasonable patients, we too can. We can handle life too. We don't have to throw up stale words or be passive aggressive at others. We too can be human and excel gracefully in life situations. 

Thank you, Dr.