The Characters

Please, please, please, let everyone know about this website. The prayers and words of encouragement are lifting up Dad, Mom, and all those who sit in these stinky, uncomfortable, three-seater chairs. (Yes, we are allowed to laugh every now and then.)

I received one particular note this evening from a local pastor who let me know how important these updates are to the Prayer Warriors out there: "As a fellow CP pastor and a former Vanderbilt chaplain, I have met all of your characters. I was recently on the 10th floor trauma unit. Last Saturday night, my wife's cousin was in a fatal automobile accident. I was re-acquainted with the characters in your postings. I guess I share this to let you know I have walked your path very recently. God is sooo, so, so there, for a lack of a better term."

What did he mean by "characters"? It was not until I re-read some of my posts this evening when I realized that we have been surrounded by some truly magnificent characters. You've already met Dr. Trauma, Nurse Meanie, Nurse Confused, and one of our favorites, Nurse Ruby Slippers. Well, let me introduce you to a few more characters in this drama:

Nurse J1 was Dad's first nurse. Mom liked her from the start. Nurse J1 was consoling and answered Mom's questions, concerns and fears.

Nurse J2 took over the evening shift from Nurse J1. Those guys at the Vandy Trauma Unit really have their act together. So the patients and families do not get confused, they give the nurses from the first two shifts the same name. Quite ingenious! Nurse J2 comforted Mom as well. Thank you Nurse J1 & J2....Mom really needed that.

Head Nurse Boot Camp runs a tight ship/trauma unit floor. She actually yelled at Mom (in a good way) to take care of herself. Boot Camp explained to Mom that "fast does not last." In other words, she explained that as long as Dad's progress was slow, it was good. And if the progress became fast, it usually was not good. Boot Camp reassured Mom that she, as one of Dad's nurses that evening, would tell Dad regularly that "God is good." Thanks Boot Camp.

[I have to apologize if I forget one of you characters. You have touched our lives these past three days, but it seems like weeks, and my mind keeps racing.]

Nurse Softspoken and Nurse Shaved Head Guy helped Mom and Chris through the day most of today. Mom says that Softspoken loved Dad's prayer blanket. Mom liked the fact that you allowed her to put Dad's blanket over him, even though you said you can't promise the blanket would remain clean. Shaved Head Guy drank lots of water. During our confusion this morning, he stood firm on the Surgery Floor Hallway, as he tried to track down Dr. Trauma. Shaved Head Guy hugged Mom after he found Dr. Trauma. (It's not your job to hug, but thanks Shaved Head Guy! Also, my brother was a little tense this morning. Sorry about that. It wasn't personal, just please understand that brother loves Dad.)

Finally, we've had two consecutive nights with Nurse Newbie and Nurse Short Stuff. Please take no offense at these names, as Newbie is at the top of her game. She knew the answers to all my questions (which can be calculated given my legal training), she was confident, and she was compassionate. Tonight, she caressed Dad's hand, quietly saying, "It's all right, Ray. Calm down. It's all right." [Notice that Newbie did not call Dad by his code-name, Stat Album, but by his name-name, Ray.] Short Stuff is perky, bouncy, and chews gum. Short Stuff answered some of my tougher questions, without one ounce of sugar coating. Answered with compassion, but no sugar coating. BTW, Mom wanted to thank you Short Stuff for letting her kiss Dad goodnight tonight, even though it was 5 minutes past that deadline hour.

It's getting late. I'll let you know about some more characters later. Thanks for the smile guys and gals!