Sweatin

Submitted November 28, 2004

Sweatin' the Small Stuff

by Matushka Barbara Bruce

I was on an eighteen month waiting list. Now, having had the surgery, I experience the wonder of how marvelously we are made, and also, how frail the human body truly is. A whole new respect has arisen for this "borrowed shell" of mine!

Having to remove my cross before surgery made me feel vulnerable, but an Orthodox friend had previously suggested to draw a cross with blessed oil or myrrh from a miraculous icon upon my upper chest. While going "under" I alleviated my anxiety with the Jesus Prayer. The surgery was successful, Glory to God.

Later, being wheeled back into my room, a two-bed ward, I discovered I had a male "roommate". Our twin beds were divided by a very short curtain. I was absolutely stunned.

So, this is where we are "at" in the world. Men and women, like animals, are forcefully being herded together! I could understand how this situation might be necessary in time of war or dire emergency, but now?! In Canada, BC's medical system is brutal.

My dear husband shook his head in disbelief, and calmly reminded me that this happened to an Orthodox female monastic, who, in visiting BC, Canada was designated a hospital room with a male roommate! The priest, and deacon immediately came to the hospital and rectified this bizarre situation, successfully having her whisked away to an available 8 X 10 windowless "treatment room" to assure her privacy. Unfortunately, there was nothing available for me, except to share this room.

Thankfully, my roommate was a "gentleman", and we both tried to make the best of the situation, however, it was indeed most awkward. Privacy was beyond borderline. I did throw one tantrum however, (and I don't blame the morphine) when the nurse parked the commode chair for me, between our 2 beds, beside the very SHORT bed curtain! Indignantly, I grabbed "Fred Astaire" (my IV pole) and waltzed off to the bathroom, amazing even myself that I could "walk" so well!

Next day, my roommate's wife bonded with me, as she had been instructed by my roommate, to please bring earplugs to the hospital. Evidently, his wife and I both snore.

Later, with our limited privacy, I was stunned when I overheard my good-natured roommate, discussing with his doctor, his post-surgical prognosis. This man was a STOIC! Unbeknownst to me, he had a life-threatening disease, and now faced a major physical lifestyle change. I had no idea! This cheerful and kind man, faced his battle with a positive, Christian attitude.

I "festered", thinking myself ill-done in the nausea and pain department. I sulked over the improper breach of hospital-etiquette, of having to share a room with a man. I had a "meltdown" when the IV slipped out of my vein distending my one arm with fluids, turning it into "Popeye's arm"!

A visitor came and informed me that a mutual Orthodox friend of ours was having emergency cancer surgery. I was shocked into realization that I was wallowing in the billows of self-pity. A dear friend, had a life-threatening illness, and she needed prayers and support.

Until I could actually begin to pray for my friend, I myself, was unable to heal properly! By praying for HER, I was able to acknowledge my own discomforts, put them in proper perspective, and begin to move on.

Five days later, I was able to go home. I can't ever look jello in the eye again, and this whole experience has made me, mercifully, for awhile, at least, to feel "very small".

My friend and my old roommate have 2 long roads ahead of them. Please remember in your prayers: Anna, and Tom.



Volume 6 Number 48 - Tuesday, November 30th, 2004	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY