Chatting with "Sally"

 

I have met a lot of interesting people working at the hospital for the last 10 years. I was security, ER greeter, then for the last seven years I have been working at the information desk in the main lobby.

These COVID years have been rough with a lot of rude and mean people taking their unhappiness about the rules and restrictions out on whoever is at the front desk. The biggie right now is the age limit. You must be at least 12 years old to visit patients, with the exception of maternity. And man, have I taken many a verbal beating over that.

However, there are a lot of nice people who come through the main lobby.

And "Sally" is a recent one. That isn't her name, but is the name the transport van gave me when they came to pick her up. That didn't make it easy to track her down.😊

It turns out she decided to be seen in the the ER after she had been done with an appointment, and was not ready to leave. Sally is an African American lady in her 60's who is in a motorized wheelchair (She looks older than her 63 years, but I wouldn't tell her that). I assume the wheelchair is mostly because she has two prosthetic feet. Though she can walk some on them. She demonstrated for me and others. I chatted with her for a few, then went back to my desk.

She came out to the lobby later to wait for her ride, and parked by my desk. And we chatted on between people coming and leaving. I found her to be an interesting lady. Three time cancer survivor. Double foot amputee. Three heart attacks. And she gives God the credit for making it through it all. She has an amazing outlook in life.

She fostered 30-some kids in her lifetime.

Both of her parents died in her arms.

She told me about her family, and I talked about mine. I showed her pictures of Addie, my 11 month old niece.

We talked about food and recipes. I swear any conversation I am in goes around to food at some point.

And we talked about life. Trials and hard times.

We talked about Noah Galloway, a military guy who lost part of an arm and leg in an IED explosion, who turned to alcohol and self pity. Then one day as he looked at himself in the mirror, he had the thought that he should be thankful for what he had left, instead of being bitter about what he lost. He started training for marathons and other activities, and became the first double amputee to appear on the cover of Men's Health.

We talked about Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujicic. She, paralyzed from the neck down since 1976. He, born with no arms or legs. Both of them used by God. And how all of us can accomplish things no matter our condition or lot in life.

I left for the day before her ride came.

With my jacket on and backpack slung over my shoulder, I stopped by her wheelchair. "Well, Miss 'Sally', it has been nice chatting with you. I hope your ride comes soon, but have Ashley in the ER call again if not."

She held her arms out, and said " I enjoyed talking to you also. Give me a hug!"

I leaned down and gave her a hug, and she said "You give good hugs!"

I wished her a good night, and headed for home, my day and life all the better for meeting that very nice and sweet lady.

She will definitely be one of those good people that will stick in my mind.