Religious Education Update, September 13, 2009
Lessons from the ICU
Recently my husband, Dan, was hospitalized with pancreatitis, and spent 13 days in the hospital, including 8 days in ICU. Fortunately, he’s back home now, regaining his strength, and doing well. Those eight days in ICU were scary times for me, and constant reminders of what matters. Here were some lessons that life gave to me:
A reassuring word from a friend can make a huge difference. While Dan was in ICU, he was connected to three different monitors which beeped and blinked nearly constantly. When I remarked on my distress in hearing and seeing these warnings so often, a friend, who was formerly the Chief of Biomedical Engineering at San Francisco General Hospital responded by email. He wrote, “Marlene, just remember that those beeps and blinks are protecting Dan,”
The support of community helps. I didn’t request help from UUP, because I have this false sense of self sufficiency. Fortunately, some wonderful people, including our new Caring Committee, swung into action and provided floral arrangements and dinners. I was truly comforted by the beauty of the flowers and the blessing of receiving delicious and healthy meals from members of UUP. I learned that it is a joy to accept help, and that I could feel less exhausted through receiving community support.
The caregivers need help, too. During the 13 day ordeal, I often heard the same words from the hospital staff, friends, and family. They’d say, “Remember to take care of yourself.” That seemed strange, as I certainly wasn’t the one in the ICU bed. However, the stress tired me, and I reluctantly cancelled some commitments. Jean Conrad advised me to “follow my heart”, which was wise counsel from a wise woman. Thank you, Jean.
Thank you, UUP, for all your warmth and tangible support during this time. Dan and I are both very lucky to receive your gifts
Love to all of you,
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
Recently my husband, Dan, was hospitalized with pancreatitis, and spent 13 days in the hospital, including 8 days in ICU. Fortunately, he’s back home now, regaining his strength, and doing well. Those eight days in ICU were scary times for me, and constant reminders of what matters. Here were some lessons that life gave to me:
A reassuring word from a friend can make a huge difference. While Dan was in ICU, he was connected to three different monitors which beeped and blinked nearly constantly. When I remarked on my distress in hearing and seeing these warnings so often, a friend, who was formerly the Chief of Biomedical Engineering at San Francisco General Hospital responded by email. He wrote, “Marlene, just remember that those beeps and blinks are protecting Dan,”
The support of community helps. I didn’t request help from UUP, because I have this false sense of self sufficiency. Fortunately, some wonderful people, including our new Caring Committee, swung into action and provided floral arrangements and dinners. I was truly comforted by the beauty of the flowers and the blessing of receiving delicious and healthy meals from members of UUP. I learned that it is a joy to accept help, and that I could feel less exhausted through receiving community support.
The caregivers need help, too. During the 13 day ordeal, I often heard the same words from the hospital staff, friends, and family. They’d say, “Remember to take care of yourself.” That seemed strange, as I certainly wasn’t the one in the ICU bed. However, the stress tired me, and I reluctantly cancelled some commitments. Jean Conrad advised me to “follow my heart”, which was wise counsel from a wise woman. Thank you, Jean.
Thank you, UUP, for all your warmth and tangible support during this time. Dan and I are both very lucky to receive your gifts
Love to all of you,
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
posted by ddodd @ 9:01 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home