In this first ever posting of mine, I met the ever jovial Mr A, who had been hospitalized for quite some time already, due to a fall. As a result of that fall, Mr A had been in ICU (intensive care unit) for about a month and was recently discharged to this community hospital. He suffered a spinal injury and now only has movement neck up and some limited movement with his left finger, as a result of countless physiotherapy. Needless to say, all his ADLs (activities of daily living) had to be taken care of by the nurses and us, student nurses.
Yet, Mr A not only did not despair, he still has a positive outlook on life. One would expect someone in Mr A's condition to be sulking and withdrawn but Mr A was the exact opposite. He was very glad to still be alive and to be with his family. He taught us how to not focus on the small, unhappy details in life but to celebrate the living and be more forgiving. Every time if we had nothing to do, all we had to do was to look for Mr A and he would gladly entertain and cheer us when we should be the ones making his day. Even when I was not there, I would always hear laughter coming from his cubicle as he talked to his new friends (the other patients there) about the day's events. His wife would also come daily with homemade soups and food. Though I know this must be very tiring on her; having to look after their children, work and come visit Mr A everyday without fail, she never once complained or even sighed in front of us but supported her husband through this all. How noble love is..
Anyway, kudos to Mr A. Though it has been more than one year ago, I would never forget Mr A if I ever needed hope (?). I wish him success in his physiotherapy.
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