Lasting Bonds
This Independence Day my husband and I decided to go and watch the fireworks downtown. They had been canceled on July 4 due to rain, but it worked out for me, as it was my holiday to work. On July 5, we set out for the parking garage at my work. It's one of the best views around. I was excited at the prospect of seeing friends from work and getting to introduce my wonderful husband. I just didn't know how special it would truly be.
We parked and started walking toward the top of the garage. Within seconds, I saw a friend that I recognized. She works day shift PICU and she calls me her little sister from all of the quirks that we share. Carol had her little boys and husband with her, who I also recognized. Her son was born with Down syndrome and had spent a good amount of time in our PICU when he had his surgeries. Introductions were made and little Nate smiled at me as if he remembered me taking care of him. We settled in with them and chatted happily while waiting for the festivities to begin.
Looking around, I saw quite a few familiar faces. Some nurses, some RTs, all good people to share the holiday with. As I turned my head, I was blown away to see a mother that I knew. I took care of her daughter Daisy for almost her whole stay. She was born with several heart defects. She had heart block and her average heart rate was somewhere in the 40s. Daisy had a pacer placed at just a few days of life. That was almost the least of her worries. In addition to the several heart defects, she also had PPHN and seemingly never-ending bouts of sepsis. She ended up getting trached and requiring continuous vent support.
She had so many close calls that I didn't know what to think. Her prognosis was never very good, but she always managed to make it through. Obstacle after obstacle, she just kept on defying the odds. She has spent almost her whole first year of life in ICUs, but she managed to make it home.
I saw them from time to time, just briefly when they had appointments or got admitted. It had been quite awhile since I had seen her, so I was about knocked over when I saw her on a Humidivent riding a tricycle on the garage rooftop. She was HUGE! Her smile was enough to light up the sky without the aid of any fireworks. I chatted with mom for a little bit while Daisy was signing up a storm. "She remembers you," her mom translated. "She wanted me to tell you that you were one of her angels."
Wow. It had been years. How did she remember me so well?
The only thing that I can figure is the bonds that hold us tight, patient and caregiver. We may only see how lasting those bonds can be when we're lucky. Lucky like I was on July 5 when I just went to see the fireworks.
Never underestimate the impact you can make in a life in the course of a simple day at work. It's just another day to us, but it can mean everything to our patients. How lucky are we to get the opportunity to change lives every day? I hope all of you realize how important and "angelic" you are. You may mean the difference to someone else.
And for Daisy? I'm just happy she has a chance to grow up. It's because of people like you and me.
--Stephanie