In this challenging time, some might say today: “Thank goodness. We’ve gotten through another week.”
But another way to look at it is: “Thank goodness for next week and the weeks ahead, because our job is far from over.”
We’re ramping up the return of clinical operations that are critical to the health and well-being of our state. At the same time, we must take great care to balance that return with a steadfast commitment to social distancing and vigilance in mask-wearing and frequent hand-washing to protect our patients and each other.
Our COVID-19 inpatient count continues to reach new daily highs. We have not made it to the much-discussed “plateau” in hospitalizations, but as a UMMC family, we are working through every milestone and every challenge with grace, and I couldn’t be more proud.
Our reflections on life in this pandemic are so important. It can be therapeutic to, as the saying goes, “get it all out.” Sharing our thoughts can help others cope and relate. Putting them into words can help us and those around us sympathize and empathize, process anger and justify fears.
In Monday’s eCV, we introduced UMMC Covid-19 Stories, sponsored by the Medical Center’s Office of Well-being and the Center of Bioethics and Medical Humanities. It’s a way for each of us to channel our emotions – in 55 words or less – and “say it like it is” about life with this virus. Responses so far are obviously from the heart, and as I read them, one theme resounds again and again: We miss each other.
We need each other and we want our old life back, whether the future holds that or not.
More than 30 of you have submitted your stories, and I encourage everyone to take part. Many of you have included your names, and others have contributed anonymously. For the purposes of this column, we will leave off names, but I’d like to share three of my favorites so far.
What Matters
“Ding. Outlook calendar reminders. I’m a planner; notifications are usually welcome. They’re now relics of a past life. Some are faculty reminders; many are favorite kids’ events; others are appointments. All are cancelled. All matter less now. Family members are front-line providers. They matter. Flatten the curve; then we get back to other matters.”
A good bit of my day as UMMC’s COVID-19 incident commander is consumed with meetings. Although the daily reminders on my calendar absolutely do not reflect the usual spring rituals on our beautiful campus, they’re steps along the way. We will get through this.
I was blind!
“I thought I was gifted with sight, but COVID-19 taught me I was blind. I am losing my best friend to COVID, but gaining insight of myself. Before COVID, I didn’t notice the sun nor the singing bird or a cry; I am grateful that now I do, AND I CARE!”
To the employee who wrote such a poignant story, I’m so sorry for the loss of such a great friend. This virus has laid bare the vulnerability that lives in each of us, and it’s certainly given me a deeper appreciation for the constants in my life, chief among them my family.
Light Amidst the Darkness
“First – I only saw the darkness COVID-19 brought with it. Anxiety, fear, suffering, isolation, death. Once I accepted the situation for what it is and channeled my energy toward helping others - I saw the growing light… of kindness, support, leadership, community, solidarity. We will emerge out of this – brighter and stronger than ever before!”
I have said it before, and I can’t say it enough: Our students and employees have stepped up in every way. You have been out-of-the-box creative in boosting spirits, chasing down PPE, supporting coworkers who need a break and providing the very best care for our patients, especially those isolated from family and loved ones.
Many of us are working long hours, be it from home or campus. Who knows what normal will end up being, other than it won’t look like it did a few months back.
I am reminded of – and draw hope from - words valued by a wonderful young woman who left us too soon. Frances Fortner, the daughter of Tom Fortner, our chief institutional advancement officer, and his wife, Laurilyn, passed away two years ago this month. Franny was an exceptional writer, filmmaker, dancer and artist. Among her truths:
“All of the little things are really the big things.”
In the coming weeks, many more COVID-19 patients and their families will look to us for care and compassion. Our role has never been more critical, and what really matters has never been clearer.
Every one of you is essential in this fight. That’s what makes us #UMMCStrong.
Our COVID-19 inpatient count continues to reach new daily highs. We have not made it to the much-discussed “plateau” in hospitalizations, but as a UMMC family, we are working through every milestone and every challenge with grace, and I couldn’t be more proud.