Compassion and Connection for Carers

 Compassion and Connection can come from surprising places.

Some time ago I presented to Accident and Emergency with mild chest pain. I was not concerned but thought that it was prudent to have it checked out as we are always being told.

I was not surprised that my cardiac function was fine.  The staff did a couple of other tests and while waiting for the results of these, one of the A and E doctors came to see me to have a chat. I mentioned that my husband had Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and I had recently started taking an anti depressant and that it was probably just some physical manifestation of mild anxiety.

What did surprise me was his reaction when hearing of my circumstances. He took one look at me, went and shut the door to the cubicle and pulled up a chair and said to me with such sensitivity "that is a horrible, horrible disease". Most medical and other practitioners that I and my husband come across have never heard of the condition. Not only did he immediately understand it but his response will stay with me for the rest of my life.

In a very busy A and E department, Dr Luke took the time to sit down and talk to me about how I was going. He asked if I had good supports around me and other resources. He also asked if there was anything he could do to assist. 

He listened and showed compassion and connected with my circumstances and validated all that I am experiencing. It may not sound like a lot but I still think back to this moment and am thankful for the time that he spent with me.

Compassion and connection can come from surprising places and can appear to be quite simple on the surface. But, it  comes from people who can lean into vulnerability and discomfort and don't go directly to trying to "fix the problem". It comes from people who actively listen and are willing to go there. Thank you Dr Luke.

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