Kim C, The NP

Well, I hope everyone who celebrates the holiday had the chance to enjoy it and all the food, family and festivities!

For those of us in healthcare, it’s just another day/night at work with bonus potluck celebrations.

I was off Thanksgiving, but worked the night before, so I slept much of the day — I consider that a great day!

The holidays can elicit a range of emotions, as we all know. For many healthcare professionals, we are happy when patients get to go home to their loved ones in time to celebrate, we are excited to enjoy homemade desserts and are looking forward to the overtime pay (I won’t, but many of my colleagues will)!

But often, sadness overshadows the happiness of the holiday. Countless patients are too unwell to leave the hospital. Many patients will not live to see another holiday … or another day … or another hour. Families and friends are grieving a profound loss while others are desperately praying for a miracle.

While experiencing the gamut of emotions, I’m taking the opportunity to be grateful. I’m grateful that I’m well enough to work and enjoy life. I’m grateful that my closest loved ones are alive and also well. I’m grateful for … well, everything.