Open Memo To The Working Staff at U.A.B. Hospital

A lady's going to check in for chemo treatments today somewhere between 8AM and 9AM.

I guess I expect professionalism and quality care. It's your entire raison d'etre, so I won't bother with the "do your job with excellence bit." Just do what you do day-in and day-out.

I'm sure that you have to have some emotional distance in order to do the work you do day-in and day-out, too. The gig comes inherent with losses and I'm sure you've learned over time to disengage in some ways.

But for those of us who don't have the ability to disengage from that particular patient's situation, please do your very best to make sure she's comfortable and truly cared for today...and maybe Friday depending on how it goes (but let's just plan on her leaving first thing tomorrow morning, eh?).

Because, while we'll be able to visit sooner rather than later, my sister and I can't be there today. Or tomorrow for that matter. She didn't want us to come...yet. But we will be there.

So, for today, remember that lady who's going to check in for chemo treatments today somewhere between 8AM and 9AM is our mom. She's pretty special to a Dallasite and San Franciscan who can't be there...

...today.

...or maybe tomorrow...

...but will get there sooner than later.

So, just a little bit over and above the call of duty today, huh? It would be appreciated more than you know.