I went to see a nurse practitioner yesterday about my chronic sinus problems. She tried to be as efficient as possible. It was the end of the day and clearly she was running behind. Still she was patient and kind. I told her that my insurance coverage ends in a few weeks. She left the room and returned with a brown paper bag. Inside were inhalers, enough for 4 months. They would cost nearly $600 at the pharmacy. They were a gift.
I long for a health care system that meets the needs of all those who are sick and suffering. I wish for health care providers who have the time to really listen and understand and explain. As a patient I want to be seen and heard and nurtured and cared for. I want the same for my friends and family and neighbors. For now it is just a dream.
Because we have a system that is, for the time being, so broken and inadequate, the keepers of the system are called everyday to act with compassion. I know that it must be difficult. They must get very tired. Yet they do, so often, act with compassion. I know because I have been a witness and a recipient. Sometimes compassion comes in the form of time spent easing a fear...a look...a touch...expedited paperwork...sometimes it comes in a brown paper bag.
There is good in everything.
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