I originally wrote this while I was still in Acute Rehab at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital following my surviving a hemorrhagic stroke that initially left me completely paralyzed from the neck down on my dominant side. I originally intended this to be for both the physical/occupational therapists and staff and their patients. As I was slowly typing this one-handed, I concluded that it was appropriate for all the patients and staff, and not just in that hospital or in any specific kind of rehab..
SOME THINGS WE MUST ALL KEEP IN MIND HERE:
STAFF
It is your knowledge, your skill, your patience, your guidance, your kindness, and your heart which allows the patients with whom you work with to accomplish all that they do. You never seem to give up on a patient even if it seems or feels like they’ve given up on themselves, and that action by itself can be a tremendous source of strength that you might not even realize. Always remember with the appropriate humility that it doesn’t matter how much drive the patient has without your contributions, as the patients will be facing a much longer path ahead of them without your help. Your contributions should never be ignored or overlooked, and you deserve the thanks of so many people. Just please always remember that the patients know their body more intimately than you do. They live there while you’re merely visiting. Living through it is far more instructive than any amount of “observation,” and you may need to be occasionally reminded of that.
PATIENTS
You’ve already been through a lot in life. You’ve survived, and that should never be taken for granted by anyone, including and especially yourself. What will help you in your personal battle beyond what the staff can do for you is what you yourself bring in your heart. Without your drive, your will, your desire, and your sheer tenacity, no amount of instruction or guidance will help you to succeed. The staff working with you realizes that you have a difficult journey ahead of you, and they are willing to help you providing you make an effort. No one said it will be easy; but once you get there, you’ll know how much it really is worth it!
Never worry about whether or not other patients are watching you.
If they’re watching, it could just as easily be curiosity on their part. Considering that they’re also facing their own personal battles, they’re most likely either cheering you on or watching in genuine curiosity. Any other reactions don’t matter in this vein because you’re the one ultimately fighting your battle. Always accept support as it means you’re not as alone as you may feel.
If they’re not watching you, most often it’s to help you concentrate on what you’re doing. They’re leaving you completely alone simply because they don’t want to intrude on you or interfere with you. You’d be amazed how many prayers of support that are still being sent your way.
Never fear even perceived failure. It simply means that you’re trying and you’re learning. You’ll learn and grow as long as you never give up on yourself.
Among so much else, you’ll learn about yourself most of all. Including and especially how much strength you really have, and that’s something you’ll always have and can never be taken from you. Remember while you’re learning that you know your personal situation better than anyone else. Living it is more instructive than any amount of observation, and you may have to occasionally remind some people of that.
With hard work, and providing you don’t give up, you’ll really succeed far more than you might realize; but, only if you never give up.
Never worry about whether or not other patients are watching you.
If they’re watching, it could just as easily be curiosity on their part. Considering that they’re also facing their own personal battles, they’re most likely either cheering you on or watching in genuine curiosity. Any other reactions don’t matter in this vein because you’re the one ultimately fighting your battle. Always accept support as it means you’re not as alone as you may feel.
If they’re not watching you, most often it’s to help you concentrate on what you’re doing. They’re leaving you completely alone simply because they don’t want to intrude on you or interfere with you. You’d be amazed how many prayers of support that are still being sent your way.
Never fear even perceived failure. It simply means that you’re trying and you’re learning. You’ll learn and grow as long as you never give up on yourself.
Among so much else, you’ll learn about yourself most of all. Including and especially how much strength you really have, and that’s something you’ll always have and can never be taken from you. Remember while you’re learning that you know your personal situation better than anyone else. Living it is more instructive than any amount of observation, and you may have to occasionally remind some people of that.
With hard work, and providing you don’t give up, you’ll really succeed far more than you might realize; but, only if you never give up.
- Rev. J.T. Smith
