Adventure Day One

May 16, 2008 – Monday, October 14, 2002, we moved into the hospital, National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda.  We rolled in with two black suitcases full of hopes and fears and the cold reality that this was going to be tough, but we were determined to make it an adventure.

 

In 2002, October 14th was Columbus Day, so it was “holiday” route at the military hospital, which means reduced staff and a more relaxed atmosphere.  We spent most of the day answering questions, sometimes the same questions, to different people through out the hospital – we came away with the sense that no one was keeping track of our answers, but we believed in the process and answered each question even if we had answered it a few hours earlier – it was a process.  The first of many processes we would encounter and not always understand.

 

On day one I was in charge of the reconnoiter - whenever you arrive at a new place for a period of time you look around, check out the facilities and learn how to get all the essentials; pillows, blankets, ice, take-out menus…this day was no different.  I walked around the ward scoping out the landscape.  As I walked by the room next door I was excited to see the family was packing up.  Their suitcases were full, the push cart had their flowers and balloons attached and they were going home – I was joyous for them – even though we were just starting out I had faith that after a while we too would get to go home.  Just as I always do I was looking through the eyes of optimism, the reality was they were going home, but not everyone – the family was leaving, but the family member that was ill had passed away and gone home, but one that was not of this earth.  Still I saw joy not sorrow, I did not have a heavy heart, I had faith there was a reason… and that was how we started our journey…if this was today, what would tomorrow bring? We could only hold on to each other and our faith – it was a process.

 

Until our next blog – remember life is an adventure, embrace the journey.  You can make a difference one day at a time. 

 

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