My cousin (and ER peds doctor!) wrote this at the onset of Covid-19 in the Spring of 2020. Please read and share the story as compelled, and as per his request and permission.
[A Word doc is also attached at the end of the blog for downloading and sharing.]
Microbe
The sudden sounds of voices and warning lights bellow overhead. In synchrony the masked crusaders in the room look up and march next door where the next battle for life begins.
From bended knee the family left to witness it all play out in some cold hallway. Tears create rivers on the floor. Not allowed in the room they are left to watch it all from a distance. Barred from being with one of their teammates during the most important game. The loved one surely trying in their way to reach for his/her favorite persons. Always seemingly one finger length away. A front row seat to witness the demise of a beautiful human. Those in aged PPE desperately trying to save a surely meaningful life. In the hallway the desperate whispers are heard of , “Please! Just breathe!” Suddenly with hands pressed up against glass the beeps and bongs of machines go silent. The family desperately lock eyes with the roomed heroes who through plastic shields nod unceremoniously and proceed to drop their heads in defeat.
That’s it! Game over. And just like that a human is done being.
Poof! A human being is………. gone.
A short time later a de-robed, broken crusader sits at the desk and wonders just how many people that one life affected. In the background the healthcare soldier can hear the loud speaker screaming for help into rooms where surely more preservation of life wars are playing out. Yet again the providers suit up. Under armed and dwindling in number the team of the selfless march into room after room all day. More than the seldom victory the screeching wales of crying ring out in the hallways again……. and again……. and again.
At the end of today’s 9 hour war the provider now faces, if one can imagine it, the most difficult part of the day; Heading home. Where the lonely decompression war begins. Surely another night of staring at a sky full of stars wondering why as the clock ticks lightning fast closer to the battle that lies ahead tomorrow. The lingering thoughts of just how many soldiers will show up back at work? Is it on or in me? Unable to sleep the provider sits with pillow and blanket in the hallway quietly watching from a distance where partner and juniors lay. The sounds of their breathing while sleeping like music serving as the only bright spot of the day. The thoughts of what all those teams who went home one less teammate today are doing? Replaying each scenario; Did we do everything we could? Will we all be okay?
Hidden from public view while in the dark, quiet, protected hallway of home the provider finally has a moment to safely drop the shield of honor to be what we all are; human. Not long there-after the sounds of tap! tap! tap! fill the air. Wiping away tears the provider wearily wonders how are we going to get through this? How can you throw punches at a shadow? Is there anything that can help us win? We need our own microbe to have any chance. Tired the provider’s eyes finally close succumbing to what’s left of the night.
Ding! Ding!
Hhhhuh!
It’s 7 O’clock.
And so the morning has already arrived.
Cup of coffee and a minute to watch the podium of lies and deceit emanating from the house with the inability to win the crowd. With open palms and lips pressed up on the glass door of the apartment building the provider says goodbye to the most important before making a quick escape. Ear buds in and on and scarf hiding half of face. With the press of a button the favorite songs start to play. People striking spoons against cookware like a marching band. And so begins the march towards work.
As the war zone nears the attention turns to the loud ringing of sirens. With a look the provider witnesses a number of screaming chariot like trucks painted with positive symbols filled with angels bringing more with broken breath seeking help.
Senses sharp like a knife with each step the provider can only think of one thing; The microbe. With each passerby the thought of does he, does she, does she, does he………… have it? Turn the corner to find lines of people donating what on most days is a basic but these days are life savers. People rolling robotic lungs off of trucks.
Arrival!
Two sliding glass doors represent the interface between the outside world and hell. With a pause and before entering the provider takes a long, deep breath, turns and gives further thought to the microbe.
Can’t see it.
It’s infectious.
Can ignite from person to person.
Is found all over the world.
Little to no way to stop it once it gets going.
Has the ability to be within all of us.
Able to make the strongest of opponents fall.
No game changing medicine for this one.
One can only marvel at the punch it packs.
The provider stares at all the activity with eyes like lasers and the guts to pull away the scarf and show half a smile.
How dare you call this microbe COVID or Corona. No!
This microbes not that one.
This microbe is much different.
It’s;
The microbe that will bind and lead ALL of us through this together.
The microbe that will allow each and every one of us to play our part.
The microbe that will FOREVER stand taller and brighter.
The microbe that will ALWAYS lead the way when the Saints go marching in.
The microbe that will NEVER EVER give up!
For this microbe isn't known as COVID or Corona.
This microbe, OUR microbe, has a name and it’s;
The Human Spirit.
Omnipresent but in the darkest of times finds itself rising from deep within each and every one of us. She is the unifying voice.
She brings us together as one from all corners of the world.
Shhhhh. Can you hear it?
She’s rising in the background.
Listen closely. It’s coming. Watch out bad! She’s on her way and she won’t be stopped.
The provider turns again as
The glass doors slide open.
Ding! Ding!
Standing tall and armed with OUR microbe.
Destined to become champion of the world;
HUMANITY
Just entered the ring.
And she NEVER loses!
Written by,
All of us.
Please find the original Word document attached here for downloading and sharing: