A recent kidney stone highlighted something I’m very, very thankful for…medical care.  I realize a lot of people in this world, and even in this country, don’t have access to adequate medical care when it’s needed.  And on top of that, I have good medical insurance which I’m also thankful.

If you haven’t had a kidney stone before, thank your lucky stars.  If you have, then you know how desperately I needed help.

I made an attempt to find someone to give me a ride to the hospital to no avail.  So, I drove myself.  Not one of my best decisions.  Driving during morning rush hour traffic in intense pain that was so bad I also had extreme nausea, was NOT a good idea at all.  But, I made it…barely.

As I walked, hunched over, into the Emergency Room a kind registration employee immediately noticed things were not ok.  He got me in quickly and how did I thank him…by vomiting violently while he checked me in.  His kindness was exactly what I needed.

The registration employee’s kindness was followed by a nurse, doctor, and radiology attendant who put up with my inability to speak in complete sentences.  In fact, the doctor examined me as I was curled up in a ball.  I can not express how much appreciated him not making me lie flat on my back…I suppose he knew I couldn’t at that moment.

And, the final thing I was thankful for that day…pain medication!  Within minutes of receiving IV pain medication, I felt soooo much better.  I almost felt guilty for taking up valuable Emergency Room space.

Have you even had a medical professional provide you kindness when you needed it?