Patient Appreciation
One day after having a wonderful
weekend off from the correctional facility, I found a note under my door when I
entered my office. Generally notes are taped to my door from nurses for one
reason or another. I have had an occasional note slipped under my door from an
inmate who is desperately seeking help for medication renewal prior to him
leaving for prison, or assistance with disability (They all speak about getting
disability or social security. I think about Judge Judy when she asks, "What is
your disability?" They would respond, "I have back problems," and she responds,
"Please! We all have back problems, but you see me working. Get a job!") But I
have digressed. Anyway, I came upon this white envelope with the words, "Lady
Doc" on the outside in pencil, and I thought to myself, "What now?!" and I
opened the letter and it had inside the typical yellow legal pad note paper
inside and this is what it read:
Miss
Beth (not my name but I get called Beth all the time!) For one of the few time
in my life, I am almost at a loss for words (smile). Thank you so very much for
providing the treatment I needed, just to be listened to, and talked to as a
person. A human being. In places like this, that is very rare, it's not
something you can learn, or teach. You are either born with it,or someone very
special in your life showed you the way. You are such a nice person, I really
needed that, "He" knew and right on time. It's not about what you want but you
need. Just thought you should be told, the absolutely wonderful job you are
doing, Thank again.
He is an older gentleman, 65 years
old, who was feeling depressed and hopeless and we spoke a lot on spirituality,
so I allowed him to just talk while I listened and allow him to reflect on his
life, which to me is the easiest thing to do and not judge. I really
appreciated that letter because in the midst of chaos, foul language, anger and
sadness, which are as rampant as a virus, I found a semblance of peace. I have
seen him since that letter and I was glad to be able to thank him. I really
appreciated being recognized, but that is not why I stay in corrections. I
believe everyone should be heard, listened to, and encouraged.