Appreciating Healthcare Professionals

Many of you have commented that you thought I tend to see the best in the world, and I would have to agree with you most of the time. Lately, I think  I’ve had the tendency to become “crusty” around the edges, but I seem to bounce back pretty quickly.

I think the events of the day have a tendency to make me feel that way on occasion. A few days ago, I visited two wonderful friends just over the bridge in one of the wonderful healthcare facilities we are blessed to have in our communities. I would think how lucky we are to have such great services so close by when we are in need.

I think it was Stedman Graham who said it best. “It’s not what you have at the end of life, it's what you have left behind that matters.” Graham wasn’t really speaking about possessions, bank accounts, or any other material things. He was speaking more to the intangibles and how you will be remembered. He was speaking about what you will have accomplished during your lifetime and the positive nature of how your actions have enriched those around you and the community and nation you call home.

I would think about how honored I was to have both of these individuals call me their friend. You see, the term friendship is something I hold in very high esteem, and as such, is not to be taken lightly.

The one individual is approaching his final days here on earth, while the other is making a wonderful recovery from a very serious health issue, but not one without challenges that will await him. Both are being well served by those professionals who are attending to their every need and those of the families that surround them.

There is nothing wrong with our journey here on earth coming to a close, so long as the precious time we spent here has not been wasted. Neither one of these individuals has wasted a moment of their lives. They have instead contributed richly to the successes of their families, their communities and their nation.

I personally know how well our community and its residents are served by the wonderful healthcare professionals who stand ready to come to our aid should their services be necessary. It all starts when you first pick up the phone if it is an emergency and speak to a well-trained dispatcher who makes sure professionally trained medical/rescue personnel are dispatched promptly and accurately to your location.

Upon arrival at your home or the location of the incident, you’ll receive wonderful pre-hospital emergency care which is focused on stabilizing and transporting the patient to the nearest emergency center. Upon arrival at that facility, you can trust those hospital professionals to meet your every need.

I’ve had the opportunity to take advantage of those services on two separate occasions, and I can attest to the wonderful care I’ve received. I’ve also had the opportunity to take advantage of numerous “outpatient” hospital services. 

However, despite all of the many improvements and advancements in equipment and technologies, the gowns they make you wear still leave nothing to the imagination.

Both of my great friends are extremely well treated during their time in those facilities which they are at, as well as myself as I’ve taken advantage of the great services being provided by these professionals around the clock.

We couldn’t live in a better place in the nation when it comes to medical care, and although I hope you never have to be in need of those services, I can attest to the quality of care you will receive.