"A touching moment forever etched in my heart"

I went in for my gall bladder removal surgery towards the end of July 2021. with me, its like if I pretend I am just fine, then actually I feel just fine. But today pretending was not really helping. This was first surgery of my life where I was to be cut open and the thought scared me so much, especially going in alone.

The very sight of operation theatre scared me but the staff there repeatedly told me, I will be fine. I so very much needed to hear these words, and I believed it and I was fine. Post surgery, I woke up in pain, not able to move much without alleviating the pain. I was silently crying, feeling lonely, vulnerable away from my sunshine 1 year old baby and my 5 year old son...missing them... longing to see their faces, feeling helpless and hopeless.

Tears were just rolling down my cheeks when a nurse came by. She was gracious enough not to embarrass me by seeing me in my most vulnerable moment, and so so compassionate and caring for not leaving me in that moment.

She settled me more comfortably, putting blanket on me, then she started little conversation... general stuff... I talked about my kids, she told me about hers, how handful kids can be!! and I weakly smiled. I knew this small talk was just an effort from her to distract me from my pain, make me bit more cheerful. and mostly just to let me know that I am not alone. That I have a caring friend.

I know, I saw since morning how busy schedule the staff has, non stop running around, to get everything done on time, multitasking, skipping breaks... coz something just needed to be done. I heard all this, and I saw all this. So I know she must have huge workload, but still she made it a priority to make me feel better, cheerful.

Sister Linda, I am so grateful to you. I don't know if you remember it but your little gesture of kindness has touched my heart.. you are a such a lovely person and I can't thank you enough! When I asked you if you can hold my hand and you did. In that moment of desperation, helplessness and vulnerability you held my hand and comforted me. Please know that I will always remember that moment and your compassion. 

A very big thank you sister Linda. May God bless you and all the health care staff for being so caring.