We have missed this column and sharing our feelings and thoughts with all of you. We spent last week in Lenox Hill Hospital trying to figure out why Mordechai is having so much difficulty with his balance and walking. Although the problem might have been identified, the suggestion that he have spinal surgery in the next few weeks is daunting. Yeah, Glicks, we can do this. We have gone through many other challenges, so this is just another little bump in the road.
In the meantime, while spending a few long days in the hospital, we got to know some lovely people who many would have probably ignored.
Let’s begin with Desimone. Nina met him one morning when he came in to clean Mordechai’s room. He is obviously a member of the housekeeping staff. She overheard him relating to another patient how he is holding two jobs in order to care for his wife and sons. It was amazing to hear him describe how he manages his schedule so that he is able to pick his son up at a prolonged after-school program and then whisk him over to karate. At the same time, Desimone has a business he is trying to grow. He is a photographer specializing in portraits and events. He spoke of his business acumen and how he is trying to make it work. Nina suggested to him that he visit the obstetrics floor and that perhaps he could arrange a contract with the hospital to take pictures of all of the newborns. He thanked her profusely and was planning to visit the department of human resources on his lunch hour.
The next morning, while passing time, “Angel” popped in and introduced himself as our savior to help in any way he could––to keep our room clean and whatever else we might need to make a boring day more fulfilling. His smile alone lit up the entire floor of the hospital. Nina relayed to him the experience she had earlier while in the elevator as she was riding to the fifth floor. Upon entering the elevator she noted one man standing alone. Cheerily Nina greeted him with a “good morning,” to which he did not reply. She knew from his ID tag that he was a hospital staff member. She commented on how nice it is to be friendly and have a smiley demeanor when greeting people in the morning. He barely shook his head in agreement. It was obviously difficult for him to do so.
Fast forward to Angel, who truly made a not-so-pleasant experience much more palatable. He and Nina laughed about her elevator encounter and the sour nature of some people. Throughout the morning, each time either of us would come across Angel there was a big smile on his face. We told him that he needed to be commended for his kindness, and sure enough later in the day he brought his supervisor into the room for us to “just happen to meet her.” It was a pleasure to speak highly of him to someone who might have the ability to pass on his good intentions in the form of a commendation in his file.
Hospitals are not fun places, unless perhaps one is on the “baby” floor, yet acknowledging those whose jobs might be considered menial, and spending time recognizing the good they are doing is so easy and rewarding. Of course we appreciate the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to deal with the comfort and treatment of the patient, but it is the little man who rarely is recognized, and this experience gave us another opportunity to emphasize the necessity of showing hakarat hatov to each worker regardless of their title or position.
Desimone and Angel, we wish you both the very best and hope that this little message will give others the impetus they need to recognize those whose positions are so necessary, yet often given so little regard.
By Rabbi Modechai and Nina Glick
