So this week we got to have the experience of taking Little Girl to the hospital. Short story is she got dehydrated from puking lots and lots. But this isn't really what this post is about. Instead this is about what an eye opener it was for me with how hard it is to put your life on hold when someone in your family is in the hospital no matter how serious or not the situation is. And how I can use my own experience to be more aware of what others are going through and hopefully be able to serve them better.
So what did I learn?
Number one, even though you probably are just sitting in a room you don't really have lots of time on your hands because nurses and doctors can be in and out whenever. And because whoever is in the hospital probably needs some attention from you. With Little Girl because she's just a baby it was constant attention almost. And although we weren't doing anything except sitting for most of the time it was literally more draining to do that than out running errands all day (it may have not helped that I was also sick the day we took her in. I didn't really get much of a chance to recover). And because it was draining, when we got home the thought of doing anything was overwhelming. It probably didn't help that because both Little Girl and I had been sick our place was kind of a mess, so coming home to a mess was blah. But it did make me realize that people who spend time in the hospital don't have time to clean, eat, or much of anything. So next time I know someone who has to do that I think I'll offer to clean their place. Or bring them food the day they get home.
Number two kind of goes a long with bringing them food. Sam and I didn't think we'd be at the hospital that long. I personally figured a few hours. We'd be home in the wee hours of that next day. So we didn't prepare ourselves with food. HUGE mistake. Especially because that day I had been throwing up too so I had had nothing in my stomach. I was starving starving starving. And yes the nurse station has snacks, but really? Goldfish can only taste good for so long. And yes there's a cafe/cafeteria, but that costs money. Money we don't really have at the moment to be honest. But because we were starving we caved and got food there. And I'm not sure if it was because I hadn't felt good/not eaten for so long, but the hamburger I got made me feel queasy. And it didn't taste like a real hamburger. Which was sad because I was really looking forward to it. But anyways, because of my experience with lack of delicious food, I realized that it might be nice to just bring someone something delicious to eat while they're at the hospital. Luckily towards the end of our stay I had a friend bring me a sandwich and stuff which was quite tasty. And I really do appreciate that she was willing to do that for me.
Number three, find out what else needs to be done. I am a guilty party of just telling someone let me know if they need anything instead of specifically asking if they need anything. But I also think it goes beyond even that. A few people asked if I needed anything (which was great and very kind of them) and I honestly have to say I felt too guilty saying yes actually I do. Instead I said, nope we're good. Maybe other people don't do that and actually say what they need, but I don't. And I'm sure there are others who don't say what they need. So whether they need someone to watch their kids, walk the dog, feed the goldfish, or they just need a nap, I am gonna find out what it is. I hope.
Awhile back a family in our ward had their baby in the hospital and I desperately wanted to do something for them but I had no idea what they would even need. I literally dialed their number so I could ask them what they would need, but then at the last minute hung up because I felt foolish. I really regret that now. I wish I could fix that now that I have this knowledge of how much being in a hospital for even two days throws your life off. So ... if you were ever wondering what someone needs after they have spent even a day at the hospital here it is:
1. A clean place to come home to. It's so yucky to come home drained of energy and your dishes aren't done.
2. Food! Food for their stay at the hospital and food for when they get home.
3. Whatever else you can think of.
No comments:
Post a Comment