Dear Friends,
"Every problem has a gift for you in its hands."
I recently read a book about challenges and crisis in a person's life. The quote above caught my attention. I have often thought about the person who walks into our clinic after seeing a number of doctors, still in pain, frustrated and looking scared and without hope. I have wondered, many times, where the gift might be for that person.
I have been blessed for over 33 years to meet and work with patients who share their unique stories. Thankfully, most have improved and overcome their particular injury and pain problem. This is always my top concern and has frustrated me beyond words when it hasn't come quickly enough, as I am not known as a person of patience! Ask anyone who knows me well!
I begin each patient visit with an evaluation and the belief that a miracle may happen. I have learned though,that not every patient can be healed in a day or two. It takes time. And though I do believe miracles can happen, I've learned, over the years, to accept that every person heals in their own time when handled with the correct treatment plan. This plan must always include a touch of compassion.
The treatment plan must involve time to examine and listen to each person. It requires hearing the person's complete story. As the patient's story unfolds, the medical professional needs to question that person with compassion and a Sherlock Holmes-like inquisitiveness. Many times, our patients say, "I have never told anyone that before". And many times, that one thing is the key to helping them heal.
You may be wondering why I began this story with the quote, "Every problem has a gift for you in its hands". When pain consumes us, we, as impatient medical practitioners, and as patients, have difficulty seeing the gifts that may come as a result. Maybe the key to our healing is to stop what we are doing and spend a minute or two to reflect on the possible gifts that are offered to us as we struggle through life with a physical condition that has the potential to dominate our life in a negative way.
In taking this time to stop and reflect, we may begin to see that the spouse, daughter, son or friend we feel we are being a burden to, is actually thankful to be there to help. They may be much more thankful than you or I might ever realize, as we are giving them the gift to be able to care for and nurture us.
Many years ago, I herniated a disc in my neck and could barely sleep more than 2 hours a night. I was in so much pain and felt I was a burden to anyone I was around. Looking back, I realized how many people stepped forward to help me with my treatment, care and life. I felt awkward asking for help, but they helped anyway. As I reflect back on this painful injury, I think the blessing came in feeling the love and support of so many people who were willing to help me when I wasn't at my best. What a gift that was, and I am so thankful to have noticed and been able to thank them for their care and support during a challenging time in my life.
So keep your eyes open during the challenging times, for the gifts being given by those around you are the most precious of all.
