society of the sick

Two days ago I boarded a plane just before dawn and made my way to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to be with my parents as my Dad underwent heart surgery. The Mayo Clinic is a world renowned hospital where people from all over the world come to seek help and hope for their medical needs. There are so many people here that it feels as though there is a separate sect of our society whose lives have come to revolve around doctors' appointments, various forms of testing and hospital stays, a "society of the sick," if you will. As I walk the halls of this famous institution, I cannot help but notice their faces.

There are families of all sizes and walks of life who have gathered here to be with loved ones, each of whom means as much to their family as my Dad means to me. There are sick children, whose parents wear brave, capable faces. There are elderly couples, who have spent their lives together, holding hands as they struggle to navigate the maze of underground tunnels and skybridges on their way to the next appointment. They walk slowly, unsure both of where they are going and what the future will hold. And, there are those who have traveled here alone whose faces are taut with worry.

I do not spend much time in hospitals. I have been oblivious to those who do. There are those to whom hospitals must feel like a second home, distressing though it may be. Loved ones put their lives on hold to help care and advocate for the sick. Huge sacrifices are made in the blink of an eye.

Fortunately, the Mayo Clinic is able to help and offer hope to many of the patients and loved ones who come here -- as it has done for our family. But, I know that not everyone can be helped.

I am glad that I have made this trip, not only to offer support and companionship to my parents but also to learn a lesson of gratitude. My husband and I are healthy, our families are healthy and our children are healthy. We are truly blessed and I am grateful...