We let go

"When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." New American Standard Bible (NASB)

We let go of a few things on the last shift. One of our regulars, who was injured years ago and a world away, coded suddenly as we got report. He had been sent to Washington to be monitored, but was going downhill since he left us.

We liked him. He kind of grew on you. He was quiet and unassuming and loved his baseball games. We never worried about not knowing what was going on with any televised baseball because he'd keep us apprised whenever we asked. I always went by his room to ask the score, and while I was there, unwrap his snack and open his milk.

He was someone who was always grateful. Grateful he could still use his arms. Grateful his family was still around. Grateful for friends, who would bring their children to visit him.

As a wounded veteran, he was a brother in arms to the younger guys who were injured. He'd light up when people asked him to help out by talking to a newly injured patient. He was a great listener and was a pro at making people feel at ease.

Though he was modest and generous, we often laughed and called him "the colostomy salesman". He said it was the best thing he ever did after his injury, because it helped him to live independently for so long. He had one so many years, he could tell stories about how it used to be, and how he liked it now.

Overall, we were sad to hear of his passing, but we delight in the fact that he will not suffer anymore. Happily, we let him go, hopefully, to a place where he is free of all pain and suffering, complete with his own field of dreams.