Throughout the time when the pandemic first hit, those in the medical profession were pushed to the hilt trying to care for the sick and dying, putting their own health and lives at risk.
And to thank them, and give support, at 7 p.m. in the evening, people were on porches and balconies, ringing bells and bashing pans to show their gratitude.
Recently, I had a scare. I couldn’t raise my left arm, and when I tried to, it was very painful.
A few years back, around the time of COVID, I’d had a mini-stroke. Now, the heart is on the left side, so my inability to raise my left arm, I took seriously. (I had a droopy face too!)
A neighbour drove me to emergency because the drop-in clinic here in Squamish was so busy, daily appointments were filled by noon.
I admit to being a medical phobic, hate needles and am queasy about blood and giving it. And, after a few hours, of being X-rayed, poked and pricked, I became testy, fearing I might have to stay, and was demanding when I could go home. By then, emergency was bustling with patients in hospital gowns and beds on wheels.
I have great respect for anyone in the medical profession. They face life-and-death situations on a continuous basis. I could not do their job. After all the tests, and patience on their part, I’m okay. My heart’s soldiering on. I can raise both arms. (Maybe I couldn’t raise my arms, from overdoing the downward dog Yoga exercise.)
Right now, medics are still challenged daily, looking after us and our loved ones. I think it’s time to start ringing bells and giving thanks, again.
And, my personal scare brought home to me, how blessed we are here, in Squamish, with kind and proficient medical professionals, and the relevance these days, to help promote global peace.
Donations to the Squamish General Hospital Foundation would be put to good use.
Melody Wales
Squamish
