A poem to honour the staff of our local Emergency department, who put themselves at risk on a daily basis during this pandemic. The nurse’s name is not her real name, to protect her privacy. But she is very real, warm, friendly, caring- all the things you might need when you are high-risk and in harm’s way. Thank you to the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, for always being there. Carol A. Stephen
Photo by Castaldo Studio, used by permission.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I have advanced kidney disease, which also causes anemia. I have to monitor my hemoglobin on a regular basis. Last year, an internal bleed sent me to the hospital for almost two months. When I learned two weeks ago that my hemoglobin had dropped very low again, I immediately thought “Here we go again!” But the idea of going anywhere near a hospital right now was frightening too. Usually, they want a referral at the hospital, but this time, thanks to the wonderful nurse who took my urgent call, I was taken right away. I spent about eight hours there altogether, but it would have been much longer in normal times. The wait is not usually five minutes; it is usually several hours. I cannot thank the staff at the hospital enough for their care, their professionalism, and for…
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Quillfyre 
I love this poem. It reflects the way I feel lately – unable to hug my friends. Personal touch along with see someone in person is so important to our social life. Thank you, Carol.
Thanks, Claudia. Yes, it is hard to keep distant; no hugs, no smiles, those hidden behind cloth barricades. And so far, no end in sight.