It was past 3 a.m., and the world outside was quiet, with only the occasional sound of a passing vehicle.
Inside, though, my life was anything but calm. My husband was in severe pain below his chest. The pain was so intense we couldn’t take any chances. A quick call to our doctor sent us rushing to the nearest hospital.
The hospital’s emergency room was small and also served as its ICCU. It was a space where life’s fragility and strength seemed to meet.
After examining my husband, the doctor confirmed it was an acidity attack. He was given medication and soon began to feel better. As he rested, I found myself sitting next to the on-duty doctor.
What started as a casual conversation about her missed calls from her mother turned into a deep, two-hour discussion that left a lasting impression on me. She was in her early 30s, full of energy and life, even after being on duty for over 24 hours. She was nothing like the tired, overworked doctors I had imagined.
She spoke passionately about her work, about how her days often blurred into nights. She had spent years studying, working sleepless nights during internships, and handling countless emergencies. “Even on calm nights, I can’t sleep peacefully anymore,” she said with a smile. “It’s like my body doesn’t trust the quiet.”
Her stories gave me a glimpse into her world. She had little time for personal pursuits like dating or thinking about marriage, yet she didn’t complain. Instead, she seemed proud of her sacrifices. “In this job, you see it all—life, death, miracles, despair,” she shared. “When you’ve been with someone in their final moments or revived someone whose heart had stopped, your view of problems changes. I always tell myself, ‘I’ve seen worse.’”
Her strength might seem cold to some, but I saw it as resilience. It wasn’t about being numb; it was about staying steady in the face of life’s toughest moments.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but admire her dedication and perspective. She was nearly a decade younger than me but had a wisdom far beyond her years. By the time we exchanged numbers, I knew I wasn’t just speaking to a doctor—I was meeting someone truly remarkable.
That night, I left the hospital not just relieved about my husband’s health but also inspired by this young doctor. She reminded me of the strength, dedication, and humanity that often goes unnoticed in the healthcare world. Even in the chaos of an emergency room, there’s room for connection and inspiration.
To my new friend, the doctor: thank you for showing me how extraordinary everyday heroes can be. I hope we meet again, not in an emergency, but over coffee and more stories of resilience.
Sharon.
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