Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Lessons...

I had to work this past Saturday. As you know, this didn't make me happy. I wanted to be in my studio... playing with paper and ink and mod podge... yet here I was, dressed in my scrubs, standing in my office holding a clear plastic garbage bag in front of a patient while he puked.

You would think that would have just put me over the edge... but it didn't. Yes, it was kinda gross - but you know I'm all about gross. What it did was embed even further that kindness and compassion go further, and make you feel better, than anger and resentment.

My patient, Matt, is a high functioning Downs Syndrome man. He's 28. He holds a job, and drives a car. He frosts and spikes his hair. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He looks at you with all the honestness and earnestness that a human can have.

He was so ascared of having two fillings done. I sat him in the treatment room and I saw the tears roll down his cheeks. I patted his back as I put the bib on, and tried to reassure him that he would do just fine... but as brave as he tried to be, he failed.

The sobs started to come... and it took some time to calm him down. I sat in the treatment room next to him as he told me about his bad week. He hit a deer, his boss yelled at him because he did something wrong... and now "THIS". It was just all too much for this innocent boy...

All of a sudden he looked at me and said "I'm not feeling too well, I think I have to gag."

I'm usually NOT the one you want around in a panic situation. I tend to go sit in a corner and hide.

But something was guiding me... I quickly removed the Nitrous mask and sat him up... grabbing the first thing I could get my hands on - the clear plastic garbage bag. And I held that bag while he got sick... over and over again. And in between heaves he would cry and apologize... And I rubbed his arm and softly told him that he was going to be fine, and that it was ok...

I actually amazed myself. Didn't think I had that in me...

Of course, when he was better, and I left the room to dispose of the bag, I collapsed in the back room and shook. After-shock...

Matt was sent out to a dental office that could meet his special needs... and he's going to be just fine. I'll miss him. He touched my heart... and my life.

5 comments:

Paula said...

And your kindness, I'm sure left an imprint on his heart.

Lynette said...

God gives us the ability to do what is needed at the time. We just have to have the wisdom to do it. You really did make a difference for him when he needed someone.

Heather said...

Sandi, as you know my son is in a care facility and has been now for 3 years. He has been back and forth several times to the hospital for all kinds of stuff. There are some people who tend to him that have a gift...a Gift of HEART...he WILL remember those people always! The rest will fade away. YOU have that GIFT. Matt will never, ever forget this moment, trust me I know!!! YOU have made a small difference in his life...DON'T ever forget that!! {SMILES}

AndyBSA said...

Sometimes we do what we gotta do! You ARE a brave girl! Don't forget it!

Bruce said...

What a great story Sandi! You should be walking on sunshine. Put a smile on my face all day.