No one wants to be sick around the holidays, or go into labor during Christmas Eve Service. We are constantly reminded that we have no control over these things as emergencies arise 365 days a year and thankfully, there is always a place to seek help and someone who is ready to be of assistance.
The holidays are what remind us of what is important in life. They are a time for gathering with family and friends when the otherwise hurried pace of life doesn’t usually leave time for a home cooked meal with Mom, chatting with cousins, or playing in the snow with kids.
Unfortunately, some people have to miss these precious moments- their jobs require it.
If you walk through a hospital during Christmas, you will notice it to be eerily quiet. Only patients with true emergencies will be there, and health care workers will be ready.
You will see a phlebotomist with a Santa hat on striking up a conversation with a patient while skillfully drawing their blood. You will see a nurse comforting a woman in labor and a surgeon closing the incision from an appendectomy. You will see a cafeteria worker flipping burgers and humming a song while he works, providing the sustenance to keep the rest of the team going through their 12-24 hour holiday shifts.
They are all happy to have their jobs, but they are missing their families immensely during this time. Few professions require the dedication to work during a time when everyone else is tending to the people that make their lives meaningful.
Alternatively, some health care workers may have volunteered to work. Perhaps the holidays are a particularly difficult time as they are acutely reminded of the loss of a loved one and the memories forged on these holidays in the past. Working may provide a necessary and welcome distraction.
Regardless of the reason these people are working over the holiday, they are providing a desperately needed service- a service to others at the expense of their own families. These actions are what remind us all of the need to take care of each other.
Thank you to all of the janitorial staff, medical assistants, nurses, phlebotomists, ultrasound techs, and doctors (to name just a few) who keep America’s hospitals running and care for our patients over the holidays.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Last year my dad had a medical emergency the week between Christmas and New years. My family and I are so grateful for all the staff who supported his recovery, and us. And like you said the cafeteria staff that fed us when we weren’t awake enough to feed ourselves.
Couldn’t agree more, Jacq. Thanks for sharing your gratitude.