It is one of the most difficult parts of our job (profession). The concept that you are "well until you are not" is overwhelming for us all. I shared your essay with my residents. Thanks for doing what you do.
My wife and I just watched the brilliant early-2000s TV series, "Six Feet Under," about a family that owns and lives in a funeral parlor--the people who tend to the dead AFTER you ER folk are through with them. Every episode begins with a death that will, in most cases, become the next item of work for the family. Some of the deaths are darkly comical, some unspeakably tragic, some serene and moving. Some take days or weeks to shake from the mind. It's oddly comforting to watch, as each episode is a beautifully written reminder of the inevitable and the need to understand that an end will come for each of us. Among the writers, the most controversial episode--the one some feared would drive viewers away permanently--was a SIDS case. But, courageously, the producers insisted on doing it, and it was an exceptionally good episode.
Bob, I've never seen that but I remember when it was on. It sounds great! I certainly get the dark comedy. Sometimes people die of things and you just have to shake your head and know that if they were sitting by your side, they'd be laughing too. I think it was C.S. Lewis who said that if he and a German soldier had killed one another at the same instant, they'd probably wake in heaven and have a good laugh. Of course, I paraphrase this poorly. Have a great evening friend!
It is one of the most difficult parts of our job (profession). The concept that you are "well until you are not" is overwhelming for us all. I shared your essay with my residents. Thanks for doing what you do.
Howard, thank you for being a constant supporter and more importantly a cherished friend. Have a great evening!
I’m retired after forty years in the ER and your essay brought back the feelings and made me cry. Thanks, Ed
Have a wonderful Easter!
Thank you. That means more than you know!
My wife and I just watched the brilliant early-2000s TV series, "Six Feet Under," about a family that owns and lives in a funeral parlor--the people who tend to the dead AFTER you ER folk are through with them. Every episode begins with a death that will, in most cases, become the next item of work for the family. Some of the deaths are darkly comical, some unspeakably tragic, some serene and moving. Some take days or weeks to shake from the mind. It's oddly comforting to watch, as each episode is a beautifully written reminder of the inevitable and the need to understand that an end will come for each of us. Among the writers, the most controversial episode--the one some feared would drive viewers away permanently--was a SIDS case. But, courageously, the producers insisted on doing it, and it was an exceptionally good episode.
Bob, I've never seen that but I remember when it was on. It sounds great! I certainly get the dark comedy. Sometimes people die of things and you just have to shake your head and know that if they were sitting by your side, they'd be laughing too. I think it was C.S. Lewis who said that if he and a German soldier had killed one another at the same instant, they'd probably wake in heaven and have a good laugh. Of course, I paraphrase this poorly. Have a great evening friend!