Gratitude.The Social Emotion!
An affirmation of goodness.
The Nurse and her patient:
Bethany is a Registered Nurse at the local hospital, where we volunteer as auxiliaries at the front desk and gift shop.
This afternoon, she descends in the elevator with Mr. Ralph Conners, who has been discharged after being admitted and treated for a severe asthma attack that caused oxygen deprivation.
His breathing improved after receiving oxygen therapy and breathing treatments during the night.
Bethany comforts a tearful Ralph as they head to the van to take him home. Three auxiliary ladies and I gather around the emotional man and Bethany at the hospital exit door.
Mr. Conners wiped tears from his eyes. We offer to assist, conveying our willingness to help.
“I am not weeping about my $5,000 hospital bill for the 24 hours of oxygen that helped me. I can pay for it. I feel guilty and heartbroken because I have failed to thank God for the free air I have been breathing for 82 years of my life.
Can you imagine how much I owe God? I am ashamed.”
