“When your eulogy is being read,
with you life’s actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you lived your dash?” -The Dash by Linda Ellis
One day as I was making my way to lunch, a visitor approached me asking for directions to a patient’s room. Despite the fact that I have worked at the hospital for three years, I still get lost and tend to roam about trying to find my way to areas outside my comfort zone. We have a “rule” at the hospital that essentially requires visitors, or really anyone asking directions, be accompanied to their destination. On this particular day, honestly, I really did not want to walk beside anyone anywhere. It had been a somewhat stressful day and I would be required to make small talk with this stranger, which is not my strong suite! My directional challenges would probably be obvious and present themselves and my conversation would be prolonged as we wandered the halls. Nonetheless, he looked lost, weary, sleep deprived, and like he could use a listening ear…so I asked him where he was headed.
In the course of our conversation, he relayed that he lived a few hours away. I asked if he had ever visited our hospital before. He said, “Last time I was here, was for the birth of my son. A lot has changed since then, that was a couple of years ago. It was such a different feeling walking into the hospital today. I cannot believe I am here because my grandpa is dying.” After we walked in silence a few steps, and as I was about to say how sorry I was, he said, “I think I’ll just try to remember the in-between times.” This statement was exquisitely personal and struck me as exceptionally profound and insightful.
As I left him at his destination he said, “Thank you for listening. I’m lucky to have run into you.” It was then I recognized the patient he was visiting. I replied, “No, I’m the lucky one. Thank you for allowing me to walk with you today.” The entire walk I felt as if I should be comforting him, but instead, he was comforting me. The reason I was having a rough day was because his grandfather was dying and we had just spent several hours trying to stabilize him. I had somehow just randomly run into his grandson on my way to lunch. Life playing out as it should…God’s presence was undeniable.
It is so interesting how the circle of life works and how things can change so quickly. Those of us in health care know this. Our jobs give us a front row seat for experiencing the best, worst, and everything in-between alongside the patients we serve. However, I think this circle of life can catch many of us off guard. That is why remembering the “in-between” helps. The same circle caught me by surprise that day. A simple reminder not to dwell on the difficult, but instead reboot my attitude and reenter the in-between phase.
The best times in life can be found in-between the gifts we get from heaven and the gifts we return to heaven. In-between the wonderful days and the difficult ones are the everyday, ordinary, great and beautiful ones. The days you make memories, watch a wonderful sunrise, experience great joy within your families, or find peace in quiet moments. It is important to formulate your individual memories and stories. These are what form a person’s legacy and enable your loved ones to remember you well.
So, I will leave you with this: In this in-between season, the time between Christmas and the New Year, do not waste a moment. Love purposefully. Live with intent. Lengthen your dash. Most of all, always walk with others to their destination. You never know, you might need them more than they need you.
©2019 Inspired Pharmacist
Inspired Pharmacist 