ROSE ANNA
HINES
The List
of
patients numbered by priority
Nurses,
doctors, added.
Check with
each
as they
are the authority.
Running at
high speed is a necessity
but, since
Carol called in sick
and the
computers are down,
I'm
getting explosively testy.
A thirty
seven year old mother
of two
young children
lies
struggling for breath,
pale, so
little muscle left
she has
bones covered in Saran Wrap skin
The
morphine drip can't keep up with her pain.
Yet, she
smiles at me
her words
at snail pace are
"today
is a good day,
I saw my
children
my husband
held my hand
a long
time while he
reminded
me of treasured moments.
I was able
to swallow
and keep
down soup.
Now, you
my friend are here.
I am so
blessed"
It was
impossible
to keep
the tears
from
running down my cheeks
as I held
her hand.
I moved
her arms and legs
gently,
with profound care
as if
carrying a child.
Before I
leave,
I give her
a hug and kiss her cheek
and
reminder her,
she is
dearly loved.
I know,
she may not be here tomorrow.
I walk out
of her room
down the
hall,
down the
stairs
out of the
hospital.
Walk for
blocks
around the
neighborhood
looking at
houses, trees, flowers, cars, people
Being so
happy and grateful
to be
alive, SO ALIVE,
Aware of
my very cells singing with joy.
No it
wasn't on my list,
but the
most import priorities
often aren't
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