A Teachable Moment
I came to appreciate the phrase, Physician, heal thy self.26 total reviews
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Wow, William! What a moving piece this is. I consider the people who do what you do to be the angels who walk among us. I can't imagine how you can do it right and NOT have it take a toll on your psyche and your heart. I'm proud of you for having the wisdom to seek help and not keep it all inside or entertain the false bravado of, "Oh, no; I'm fine. This is my job; I can handle it on my own, thank you." Not everyone is so wise, you know.
You did an outstanding job here of conveying your commitment to your patients without coming across as "Am I fabulous, or WHAT!!" in any way. You were torn and conflicted and "all in," but never once made me feel as if you were patting yourself on the back for it. That is SUCH a hard line to walk! I could feel your passion and your COMpassion and your desire to make a difference...and I guarantee you DID. And my Little Voice tells me you do so constantly.
Thank you for this tremendous read. I'm so sorry I don't have a six for you. It so very definitely deserves it. xo
Oh! A few teeny weeny spags:
On this one: Her visitor's registration book was nearly empty... , the word "visitor's" should be plural possessive: visitors'
and on this one: She was put in her bed and the hospice team did everything... the word 'in' should be 'into'.
and, finally, this one: ...each session with her confidence in Jesus, and he would save her... needs 'he' to be capitalized.
Everything else was letter-perfect. My very best to you in the Nonfiction Writing Contest! This one sure seems destined for the Winner's Circle to me!! xo
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Wow, William! What a moving piece this is. I consider the people who do what you do to be the angels who walk among us. I can't imagine how you can do it right and NOT have it take a toll on your psyche and your heart. I'm proud of you for having the wisdom to seek help and not keep it all inside or entertain the false bravado of, "Oh, no; I'm fine. This is my job; I can handle it on my own, thank you." Not everyone is so wise, you know.
You did an outstanding job here of conveying your commitment to your patients without coming across as "Am I fabulous, or WHAT!!" in any way. You were torn and conflicted and "all in," but never once made me feel as if you were patting yourself on the back for it. That is SUCH a hard line to walk! I could feel your passion and your COMpassion and your desire to make a difference...and I guarantee you DID. And my Little Voice tells me you do so constantly.
Thank you for this tremendous read. I'm so sorry I don't have a six for you. It so very definitely deserves it. xo
Oh! A few teeny weeny spags:
On this one: Her visitor's registration book was nearly empty... , the word "visitor's" should be plural possessive: visitors'
and on this one: She was put in her bed and the hospice team did everything... the word 'in' should be 'into'.
and, finally, this one: ...each session with her confidence in Jesus, and he would save her... needs 'he' to be capitalized.
Everything else was letter-perfect. My very best to you in the Nonfiction Writing Contest! This one sure seems destined for the Winner's Circle to me!! xo
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Finally, someone helped me improve this entry. Thank you. I knew it wasn't perfect, but you helped me move closer to perfection. BTW, I have a new book out and it's on Amazon. It's titled, Teachable Moments. -Bill
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Well, let me check that out! Thanks for the head's up. I have one on Amazon, too: Lessons in the Key of Life.
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I will look it up.
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I've ordered it. It's due to arrive on Sunday. After I read it, I promise to leave a review on Amazon. xo
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Rachelle, you are remarkable! I look forward to your response to this book.
And it's, Bill.
Comment from gramalot8
This was beautiful and heartfelt.
I can relate in a way to your story.
I just buried my brother who died of cancer. His very ending was definitely more peaceful but it was hard to watch. He " hung on " for about a week in the hospital... every day we wondered why he was still here. My sweet granddaughter was the one holding his hand the most as we knew he was scared even though he couldn't verbalize it.
We can learn a lot through our trials... through the good and the bad.
If this is your true story, I hope you're better now and know how important it was for her... and you... to be there for her at her end.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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This was beautiful and heartfelt.
I can relate in a way to your story.
I just buried my brother who died of cancer. His very ending was definitely more peaceful but it was hard to watch. He " hung on " for about a week in the hospital... every day we wondered why he was still here. My sweet granddaughter was the one holding his hand the most as we knew he was scared even though he couldn't verbalize it.
We can learn a lot through our trials... through the good and the bad.
If this is your true story, I hope you're better now and know how important it was for her... and you... to be there for her at her end.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Thank you for your review. This took place several years ago when I was beginning my counseling practice that specialized in working with the terminally ill. This case helped me to be a more effective counselor. -Bill
Comment from Teri7
Bill, This is a very heartbreaking post you have shared. I guess sometimes we have to go through these type of trials on this earth. I am so sorry she didn't feel the peace that comes with having Jesus Christ as our Lord. It was just a blessing that you were able to be there and hold her. Even though it was really hard on you it had to help her cross over. May God bless you dear friend for the many that you have helped in your lifetime thus far! Blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Bill, This is a very heartbreaking post you have shared. I guess sometimes we have to go through these type of trials on this earth. I am so sorry she didn't feel the peace that comes with having Jesus Christ as our Lord. It was just a blessing that you were able to be there and hold her. Even though it was really hard on you it had to help her cross over. May God bless you dear friend for the many that you have helped in your lifetime thus far! Blessings, Teri
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Thank you, Teri, for this very thoughtful review. I always value your reviews. -Bill
Comment from Wendy G
What compassion you had for Monica, and you did what you could from beginning to end. I often wonder, "Who cares for the caregivers? Who is there to support them through all the traumas they face so frequently? Written with wisdom, compassion, and honesty. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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What compassion you had for Monica, and you did what you could from beginning to end. I often wonder, "Who cares for the caregivers? Who is there to support them through all the traumas they face so frequently? Written with wisdom, compassion, and honesty. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy
Comment Written 04-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Wendy, thank you for your review and the privilege of one of your sixes. This event helped me to learn how to take care of myself through the many losses I experienced. BTW, I have a new book out called, Teachable Moments. It's on Amazon.
Comment from nomi338
The painful truth about lessons that remain with us is that the most effective lesson are the ones that leave scars. If the lesson is easily handled can be easily forgotten, discharged, or disregarded. If the lesson comes with pain, you are not going to forget for some time if ever.
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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The painful truth about lessons that remain with us is that the most effective lesson are the ones that leave scars. If the lesson is easily handled can be easily forgotten, discharged, or disregarded. If the lesson comes with pain, you are not going to forget for some time if ever.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 05-Apr-2024
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Once again, I completely agree with you. I often translated this to clients. Don't be afraid of the pain; In fact, I had one patient who was in great pain and refused to be medicated. She said, "The pain is the only thing I have left that tells me I'm still alive." -BTW my new book is now on Amazon. It's titled Teachable Moments
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I will look for it, definitely.
Comment from LJbutterfly
It takes a special kind of person who can embrace the dying and guide them into a peaceful death. This well written story gives the reader a glimpse into the thought processes of a terminally ill person and the effects their conversations can have on a willing listener. You have documented your patient's feelings and concerns well. This story is a teachable moment for all who read it. Best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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It takes a special kind of person who can embrace the dying and guide them into a peaceful death. This well written story gives the reader a glimpse into the thought processes of a terminally ill person and the effects their conversations can have on a willing listener. You have documented your patient's feelings and concerns well. This story is a teachable moment for all who read it. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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This is a remarkably insightful review and i am grateful for your wisdom. -Bill
Comment from Ginda Simpson
This is a story of such sadness and at the same time, such hope. Beautifully written, you put your heart on the page and put your ego aside. Because this is a true story, I wish for you strength and blessings for the path you have chosen.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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This is a story of such sadness and at the same time, such hope. Beautifully written, you put your heart on the page and put your ego aside. Because this is a true story, I wish for you strength and blessings for the path you have chosen.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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Ginda, that was then and this is now. I have been
retired for more than 10 years
Comment from Ric Myworld
Since I read so many short stories it isn't long before I forget what I've read. But I'm sure this isn't a story that I'll probably ever forget, Monica so young and alone, and the helplessness to ease her pain and fear. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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Since I read so many short stories it isn't long before I forget what I've read. But I'm sure this isn't a story that I'll probably ever forget, Monica so young and alone, and the helplessness to ease her pain and fear. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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When I get a FS like you to review I know I've het a homerun. Thanks for the review. Everytime I have an opportunity to share this story, I know I will have PTSD for several days. -Bill
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I'm sure this story is a hard one to share without it affecting you for a while to come. I enjoy your writing, Bill, even when it hurts and hangs with me. I appreciate your good heart!
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Well sweetie I know a few things: #1 You cannot give yourself completely to anyone. You will have nothing left for yourself. #2 You knew enough to know that she could bleed out, but instead of holding her hand, or caressing her brow, or just speaking softly to her, you held her letting her die horrifically in your arms. #3 This will pass, all things are temporary. But please don't offer yourself so entirely to one person.
Thanks for sharing. This was very well written. Karen
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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Well sweetie I know a few things: #1 You cannot give yourself completely to anyone. You will have nothing left for yourself. #2 You knew enough to know that she could bleed out, but instead of holding her hand, or caressing her brow, or just speaking softly to her, you held her letting her die horrifically in your arms. #3 This will pass, all things are temporary. But please don't offer yourself so entirely to one person.
Thanks for sharing. This was very well written. Karen
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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Karen, that was but this is now. I'm retired. However, I learned, especially with kids, that you have go all in and I did time after time. My personal life was shot to hell but professionally, I hit a homerun time after time. Bill
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You made your choice. Your work was your life. That works for some. How is your personal life now? Karen
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Heart-rending end of Monica's life.
Monica used that time to talk to the staff about her faith and how she ws ready - oops
So were you her psychologist, or psychiatrist? Or the staff physician at the Hospice?
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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Heart-rending end of Monica's life.
Monica used that time to talk to the staff about her faith and how she ws ready - oops
So were you her psychologist, or psychiatrist? Or the staff physician at the Hospice?
Best wishes.
Comment Written 02-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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I was the go to counselor to paients, family and staff. But I had a private practice that paid the bills. My new book came out this week and is on Amazon. It's also titled, Teachable Moments. -Bill
