SPITFIRE

I have been a visitor in the hospital pretty much every day for the past 16 days, and I have incredible reverence for those who devote their lives to saving others! When I have been a patient so many times, I was only aware of my needs, that which was done to help me survive, too sick to focus on what miracles are performed by the day, by the hour and by the minute. My appreciation was for a warm blanket, a cool towel or a sip of water. Grateful to the medical staff for their knowledge and diligence, I had no concept of the scope of how connected a team they are. Until I was the one praying for the survival of a loved one in the waiting room, or in the patient’s room, or in the cafeteria, or anywhere near where the miracles happen.

Our young family member is very sick and we are praying for him as he battles Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He was so recently diagnosed and has been receiving the most aggressive oncology and anti-infection medications available to him at this time. We are rooting for him, with all our hearts and love, as he fights the battle of his life! I could write everything that is being done, the tome of his days and nights, but that isn’t what I want to tell you, although it has taken a huge place in my mind, leaving space for little else.

The reason I am writing this post is that there is a little Spitfire at the hospital and he embodies all the good and determination of the medical world I have recently seen. Al is the Nurse-Practitioner who specializes and assists in veins or arteries so narrow or compromised that others cannot “get in a line” and one NEEDS to be gotten in immediately. He brings his machine which is an ultrasound tracker and follows the vein or artery so the line is entered and clear. He is a genius! And he is a SPITFIRE, as the mother of our family member, refers to him. He does his job with enthusiasm, conviction, and determination. He smiles and is lighthearted, even as he is dealing with the life and death of the situation. He may be the last line of offense for a patient to fight with the aid of meds carefully researched and prescribed for them, yet without that line, the person would succumb.

“Spitfire Al” is one in a million, but he is also one of the millions who give their lives to us, well, in a million ways. It is so comforting to know that all of the Als will be there when we need them, and our deepest gratitude extends to all who have touched, or cared about, or prayed for our family member as he continues to fight this fight of his life…