Here Comes the Sun

I was thinking back to a time when I was seriously ill and my BFF/SisterFriend came to see me in the hospital with a traveling suitcase full of things that I would need.

Now these were things that I would not have thought of since I had not been hospitalized long term before. But later on I would find myself extremely grateful.

For example- the backscratcher. I mean really. Who brings a backscratcher to a hospital? Someone who knows that in the middle of the night you may get that itch that your upper limbs cannot navigate. And you have two choices- call the nurse/medical assistant to please scratch your back or rub back and forth against your bed if you are able. But the backscratcher!!! Oh the relief! (I still use it till this day).

Second was the Christmas lights. it wasn’t December- in fact it was the middle of summer. But hanging the lights in the room and turning them on at night made the room seem less depressing. Especially when you have to stay long term. And it was a conversation starter for anyone new on the night shift.

Third was the binder- for business cards, lab results, consultations, recommendations, and anything else the healthcare team would throw at me during the day. You see, she knew that I would not remember half the things that were said. It was so true, and I am a physician!!

The little magnetic containers for earbuds, jewelry other small items that would be used daily but didn’t want to lose (or forget/misplace). These stuck to the fridge next to my bed and was perfect.

Lotions, creams and normal soft toilet paper. Nothing worse than hospital grade TP when you have a runny stomach and have to use it 4-6 times a day. Little things help you feel human.

Finally the positivity posters and cards which were displayed where I could view them from my bed while laying down. Truly needed when negative thoughts started to creep up.

So, here I was today, flipping through old pictures and I saw the one I took of her when she rolled in with her supplies. And the song that popped into my head was “Here Comes the Sun” (Beatles 1969).

And it made me smile.

So I send this message to everyone- besides your regular family that are supposed to be there for you, look around to see if you have that other someone who helps to bring the sun. And do your part to bring the sun to others.

Here comes the sun.

Here comes the sun.

And I say…it’s alright.