We walked into the hospital and it felt like a complete different world. From the Loud, quick, energetic city to the quiet, slow, and awkward smelling hospital. My whole aura immediately changed, from the moment I stepped in the door i wanted to leave but I couldn’t. While in the elevator going to the 3rd floor of the Lenox hill Hospital all I could think about was; “is my grandfather alright?” After getting out the elevator on my way to room 3616 the majority of the rooms I passed there were patients with I.V’s connected to them and oxygen masks on their faces. Curiosity began to build, was my grandfather in this type of condition?
At Last I was there, room 3616 to visit my Grandfather. It was a relief to see he was not in such a condition that the other patients were even though he seemed out of the ordinary. Laying down rapped up in the covers as if someone tucked him in like a child was my 76 year old grandfather. His face lit up with joy when he noticed my mother and I, but beforehand his face clearly showed that he was lonely and frightened. “Hey Grandpa, how are you?” I said and he slowly responded “I’m ok boy, the Doctor said i should be out of here soon.” Everything seemed like it was going to be alright now but my grandfathers expression changed from being joyful to being sad and confused again. This was the first time I had ever seen him in the hospital and the first time he spent more then one day in the hospital. It wasn't only weird for me but also weird for him. After spending a little less then an hour with him my mother and I had left, the whole time we were there he didn't shed one tear, as soon as we waved goodbye his eyes were full with them.
After leaving the hospital I felt a bit of relieved but i also felt guilty for not spending as much time with my grandfather as i could. I began to notice that it might be the time my grandfather has to go, has to pass on. He was around for 76 years and was healthy for almost every single one of those years I've been told. I was not the only one who thought this, I noticed that even my grandfather thought this. Even though my Grandfather was in the Hospital for a couple of days now all I could do was Hope for the best and convince my self he will be Ok.
The book “My brother” had a big impact on how i viewed my grandfather when going to Visit him. IN the Book my Brother Jamaica did not care much for her Brother because she wasn't around him for the majority of her life. This was not the case in my situation, I was practically raised by my Grandfather. Since the fact that i was practically raised by him I felt very worried and concerned for his well being. Relationships prior to being sick played a big role on how one cared for the patient. The Movie Sicko had a big impact on the visit between my Grandfather and I. In sicko Michael explained that many people with health care are not fully covered. My grandfather at the age of 76 was still working. He was one of those people who was worried about their health care not coming through. Shouldn't a man of his age be in retirement and not having to worry about getting better as soon as possible to return to work? Shouldn’t they be resting and worrying about their well being not about if they are going to be on time for work the next day?
I felt you made some really sharp insights. Overall it was a really moving and relatable piece. Its intresting how you connected Sicko and your own personnel experience with your grandfather. Its a shame how at 76 a man must still work to recieve care. Where is the fairness in that.When thing's like this occur it shows the real flaw of the healthcare system in the united states. Some argue no one is entitled, no one is owed anything , America is where you pick yourself up from your own boot straps but I wonder when do we think bigger ? when do we realize we live in a community, that where not cowboys on the open road ? In my opinon it is are moral obligation to take care of those who cant take care of themselves. The no one has to go see their grandfather sick in hospital wondering how their going to pay for their care. I feel you have a nice way of illustrating this in your writing.
ReplyDeleteBrandon/Cousin: I liked reading your post. I think the best part of the post was the part when you said “Even though my Grandfather was in the Hospital for a couple of days now all I could do was Hope for the best and convince my self he will be Ok.” I liked this part the best because no one wants to see their Grandfather die. I also liked this part because I felt the same way after leaving the hospital room.
ReplyDeleteThis post was very touching for me to read. This post was not only touching but also very captivating. In my opinion the most significant part of the post was when you said; “Laying down rapped up in the covers as if someone tucked him in like a child was my 76 year old grandfather.” I felt that this was very significant to your post and the idea you were trying to portray. People tend to change when they become ill or on the edge of dying. They begin to look and act like someone they’re not. The irony of the fact that a 76 year old man appeared as a child was very interesting to me. Overall a very good post Javon.
ReplyDelete--Mom, Christina