Typically, I pre-post my blogs for the 17th of each month. This blog, in contrast, is being prepared and posted in David’s hospital room – on the day of this posting. Phew!
A week flew by quickly since last Tuesday when he was admitted to HFH-WB. This hospital enables a family member to stay overnight with the patient for as long as we wish. This is not only a wonderful feature for the family but, far more importantly, perhaps, helps heal the patient more quickly, in many cases.
A few decades ago, in anticipation of us likely needing some sort of medical care as we age, we had planned to move closer to HFH-WB. This thought process was behind our move, two years ago, into our new residence, fulfilling our long-term goal. We now live literally next door to the hospital. I am proud of my younger self who was intent on making life easier for both of us as we advanced in age.
Years ago, when David was taken to another major hospital in town by an ambulance, I had a bitter experience with one of the doctors. This is what he had said to me at the time: “Your husband may die.” In retrospect, perhaps, the doctor meant to prepare me for the potential worst-case scenario. In my already sensitive state of mind at the time, however, his comment did not sit well with me at all. I vowed never to choose that hospital if I can help it. Ever since, HFH-WB has always been the hospital of my choice. Now that we live next door to it, there is no question as to which hospital an ambulance should take us when the need arises.
A two-second comment by an insensitive doctor destroyed the image of the other hospital in town. Everyone at HFH has always been wonderful to us. I have a hunch that HFH trains every one of its staff members thoroughly in terms of how to treat its patients and families. I doubt that the doctor at the other hospital, who had uttered those insensitive words about David’s prognosis, was exposed to such sensitivity training.
Before COVID, HFH-WB used to put on many interesting, health-related educational programs for the community – some with reasonable fees, and most others for free. Although we used to live in an adjacent township, about a 40-minute drive away, David and I did not mind the distance because we loved participating in them and learning about helpful pieces of information – all related to staying healthy.
Lastly, David’s stay at HFH-WB reminded me how delicious and inexpensive the food is at its cafeteria. Now that we live right next door, we are going to take full advantage of it. I love Henry Ford Hospital – West Bloomfield in more ways than one!
