V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #123: warrior
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It’s just awful. I worry every night I could bring something home to my husband.
Her dark brown eyes wide above the blue face mask, she looked straight at me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Her fear was palpable. I know her husband has health issues and is most likely over 60. They say masks cover the mouth and with it all facial expression, but I disagree. Not always the case.
I had asked her what it was like working in health care now. How she was doing with it all. She knew I was familiar with hospital work from years ago.
Have you seen your kids? I asked after we discussed the reason for my office visit.
My son is 29 and he got married this summer over Zoom from California. She then described the experience of watching from across the country an event she had never envisioned happening as it did.
The pain in her voice. The look in her eyes. This woman has been one of my doctors for probably 15 years and I had never seen her like this. Always a handshake and a smile when entering the exam room. No handshake this time of course, although I suspect there was a smile behind the mask.
But nevertheless she was as professional and empathetic as always. She listened to me and took notes by hand. No computer screen diverted her attention. We are partners in my treatment plan. It’s no mystery why she has earned Patients’ Choice and Compassionate Doctor awards. Doctor of the Year as well.
We also briefly discussed the pandemic situation in New Hampshire and the ignorance (her words) of people who won’t wear masks. Her voice tight she added…I am just holding on for the vaccine. We need the vaccine.
After my appointment was over, she left for the hospital to begin her afternoon surgery schedule. A hospital with Covid patients.
I couldn’t help but think she deserves one more award.
She is a Warrior.
one letter UP ~ diary 2.0 
Truly. She’s very brave. Very moving telling of this apparently simple story. ❤
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Thank you. ❤️ Yes, she is very brave…it certainly puts my challenges in perspective.
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Definitely a warrior. In all the uproar about masks these warriors are forgotten – there lives unwittingly altered, endangered, and yet they carry on. Beautifully written.
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Thank you. They are forgotten or worse yet ignored. Yet what would we we all do without them. It is just not right.
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It really isn’t right. I hope we wake up soon.
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So do I.
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A heart-touching story compellingly well told with, of course, an outstanding accompanying photograph. Thank you, OLU.
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Thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂
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Passionately written. You put a human face on those that work on the frontlines. They truly are warriors.
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Thank you Heather. They truly are! And they are so disrespected when people don’t wear masks and take precautions. 😕
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They are. It is mandatory here to wear masks in public indoor settings and limited sizes to indoor gatherings…but that doesn’t always mean compliance.☹️
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Same here in certain places. But enforcement is difficult, as “mandatory” usually just means “recommended” – as there is usually no actual penalty/consequence for not following the rules.
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I am beyond frustrated with those who risk so many, especially those like your doctor who have committed themselves to the service of others.
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Yes, it is beyond comprehension.
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