Disclaimer: I don’t own the guys from Emergency so please don’t sue me. I promise to put them back in one piece when I’m done with them.
An interesting shift leads
to interesting dreams as seen through Joe’s eyes.
Dear
Journal,
After
a day like today I have to write a lot to you, my middle of the night dream
catcher. My brain is going a hundred miles an hour so let me dive into the
setup and the dream that has me wide awake and
emotional. Hopefully everything will make sense. To give you a time reference
it is currently 0230. I usually get up or work at 0500, hopefully I’m done
writing by then. Coffee works wonders!! Without further delay, let me dive into
what is tugging at my heartstrings right now. First the set up…
*********************************************************************
Yesterday,
I was on duty - sort of. I didn’t report to Rampart, but rather to one of our
affiliate hospitals. Even with all the emotional highs and lows I see day in
and day out at Rampart, I was not prepared for the emotions of today. Where I
was and why I was there I will get into in just a second. Even as I write this
now I am pretty emotional so bear with me.
Yesterday,
I spent the day over at the Los Angeles chapter of Shriners Hospital for
Children.
AN:
Shriners Hospitals for Children Los Angeles is affiliated with Harbor UCLA
Medical Center, the real Rampart General.
The
work they do there is truly amazing. Everything is at no cost to the patient
either. Why was I at Shriners instead of Rampart? In essence, work. At Rampart
I deal a lot with neurosurgery and kids. My work with kids had me working with
the Shriners today.
I
arrived at the hospital and was met by the Chief of Staff who happens to be an
old friend of mine, Bill. Bill smiled at me, “Morning Joe.”
I
smiled, “Morning Bill.”
“You
up for a full day?”
“Sure.
Would you mind if I meet some of the patients at some point today?”
“No
actually that’s the reason you’re here today.”
I
was confused, “Okay, now you lost me.”
“Lets
take a walk and I’ll explain.”
“Okay.
Lead on.”
As
we walked Bill asked, “How are things over at Rampart?”
“Up
and down. For the most part, though, people are behaving.”
“That’s
good.”
As
Bill gave me the grand tour, two things struck me about the building itself. It
is much like Rampart with one glaring exception. Since the hospital treats
patients from age newborn to 18 years old the hospital was quite cheery. I
think I’m going to the powers-that-be at Rampart about cheering up our look.
I also
noticed it was pretty quiet, “It’s a quiet morning.”
Bill
chuckled, “That’s because you’re used to emergency medicine.”
I
laughed, “Yeah I guess you’re right.”
Bill
smiled, “Don’t worry this place will come to life in about thirty minutes.”
“Okay.”
“Lets
go grab some coffee.”
My
ears perked up, “Sounds good.”
*********************************************************************
Bill
and I headed for the cafeteria. He asked, “Ya hungry?”
“No
thanks. I ate before I came over since I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.”
“Okay.”
Bill
and I grabbed our coffee and found a table. Bill looked me in the eye. I
thought, ‘Uh-oh this is serious.’
“Joe,
before stuff starts really cranking around here I want to give the same heads
up I give to everybody who isn’t around these kids all the time.”
“Okay.”
“It
won’t be easy to see a lot of these kids. Hell, it isn’t easy for us who work
with them everyday. These kids are so strong though it really helps. If they
get to you to much let me know. We have a quiet room for the staff to regroup
in.”
“Okay
Bill thanks.”
“You’re
welcome Joe. Its not that I don’t think you can handle it I just wanted to warn
you.”
“I
understand Bill thanks.”
Bill
and I finished our coffee. He smiled, “Time to get down to business.”
“Just
point me in the direction you need me.”
“Well
actually you’re here at the request of one of our patients.”
I
was stunned, “Oh?”
“Yeah.
Lemme introduce you to her doctor. He can give you more specific details. I was
only asked to make sure you specifically were here today.”
“Okay.”
We
headed for the elevator and the fourth floor.
“I
want to introduce you to her doctor before he has to do rounds.”
“Okay.”
I
had mentally mapped out the hospital and asked, “Fourth floor. Isn’t that some
of your older kids?”
Bill
grinned, “You were paying attention.”
I
smiled, “In a hospital that I don’t know very well always; call it second
nature and force of habit.”
“Nah,
I call it just being good at your job. Knowing your working conditions and
staff is half the battle.”
“You
got that right Bill.”
“Speaking
of which, how is your gang doing?”
“Good.
Kel keeps a good reign on things. Dixie is being Dixie keeping Kel and I in
check.”
We
chuckled. Bill spoke, “Poor woman.”
I
lightly smacked Bill and grinned, “Oh thanks.”
Bill
grinned broadly, “Not a problem. How are the medics you work with doing?”
“Doing
good. Everybody’s in one piece and surprisingly the people are being smart so
the medics aren’t going nuts.”
“Good.”
We
reached the fourth floor.
*********************************************************************
Bill
spoke as we walked down the hall, “Joe, you’re about to meet James Smith. He’s
one of our orthopedic surgeons and an all around good guy.”
“Okay.”
I
immediately saw what Bill was talking about as we walked past some of the
patients’ rooms. The older kids were already pulling at my heartstrings. How
was I going to handle the younger kids?
Bill
saw the emotions play on my face, “Just remember what I said Joe. There is no
shame in admitting they get to you. They get to the best of us.”
I
swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat, “Thanks Bill.”
“You’re
welcome, Joe.”
Bill
led me to a closed office door, “Here we go.”
*********************************************************************
Bill
knocked on the door. Dr. James Smith answered from behind the door, “Come in.”
Bill
held the door open as we walked in. James smiled when he saw Bill, “Good
morning Bill.”
Bill
smiled, “Good morning James. I’d like to meet Doctor Joe Early from Rampart
General.”
Smiling, James stood and walked over to me, “Good to meet you
Doctor Early.”
I
smiled as we shook hands, “You too James. Please call me Joe.”
“Okay
Joe. Would you like some coffee?”
“No
thanks James. Bill and I just had some downstairs.”
“Okay.
Let me get down to business with you before I do rounds.”
“Sure.
What can I do for you?”
“Do
you remember a patient of yours by the name of Erin Gayz?”
Immediately
the name clicked in my mind, “Yeah she was brought in about a month ago by
squad 51 after she fell off her bike and busted herself up pretty good. If I am
not mistaken she has Cerebral Palsy.”
James
turned serious, “No you’re not mistaken that’s her. She’s a surgical patient of
mine.”
I
was immediately worried, “Oh my. Why?”
“She
needs a double gastrok lengthening as a result of her CP.”
“She’s
only a teenager, too.”
“Yeah.
I operate on her later today.”
“Okay.”
“Before
I do though she wanted to see you, along with somebody named Dixie and a couple
guys named John and Roy. She said that besides the staff here you guys are the
only ones who have ever really calmed her down.”
I
smiled, “Dixie is the head nurse of Rampart’s emergency department. Johnny and
Roy are the paramedics that took care of her. Normally Dixie would be here but
not this week. She has a bunch of new nurses to break in.”
“Nough
said.”
“As
far as Johnny and Roy they are on duty so I don’t now if they’ll be able to
come over here, but I’ll call the station and see.”
“Okay.”
I
couldn’t keep the worry out of my voice when I asked, “How is Erin?”
“Nervous.”
“I
bet. What does it look like as far as the surgery is concerned?”
“To
be completely honest I won’t know exactly til I get her opened up. From her
records and pre-op stuff it should be very successful.”
“Good.”
“Come
on. I’ll start my rounds with Erin that way I can drop you off.”
“Thanks.
Is there a phone in her room I can get an outside line on?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Bill,
James and I left James’s office. As we walked James spoke, “Thank you for
coming down today Joe.”
“You’re
welcome James. When Bill asked me I didn’t even think twice. I knew he wouldn’t
ask unless it was important.”
Bill
quickly added, “Not on days I know you’re working. Then again it’s just as rare
for a patient to specifically request you.”
“I
know.”
The
three of us walked to a room at the corner of the main hallway and a side hall.
Bill
lowered his voice so as not to wake any patients, “Joe, I’ll catch up with you
later. Have me paged if you need anything.”
I
lowered my voice and answered, “Will do, thanks Bill.”
Bill
kept his voice down, “You’re welcome Joe. See you later James.”
James
whispered, “You bet Bill.”
Bill
turned and left.
*********************************************************************
James
turned me and asked, “Ready to see her?”
Slightly
nervous I replied, “Yeah.”
James
and I quietly walked into Erin’s room. She was still sleeping. James stood at
the foot of her bed and said, “Erin, time to wake up.”
Erin
groaned and slowly opened her eyes, “Why?”
“Because
I want to watch you walk one more time before surgery.”
“Argh.
Okay.”
James
motioned for me to wait in the hall about twenty feet down the main hall from
Erin’s room. I made quick tracks before she was awake enough to see me.
I
found myself thinking as I watched James help Erin out of bed, ‘Boy I hope
Carson is good to 51’s today. Once Johnny and Roy find out who is asking for
them, their nerves are going to be shot.’
Just
a few minutes after I walked out into the hall, I saw a sleepy Erin standing in
the doorway of her room. James and I smiled at the same time.
James
asked, “Erin, would this be easier if you had a surprise?”
Erin
replied groggily, “Yeah. This isn’t easy anyway. I’m sleepy and sore and
everything.”
My
heart sank at Erin’s words but I kept the smile on my face. James grinned,
“Erin, look up the hall.”
I saw
Erin smile as she looked up and saw me, “Doctor Early!”
I
couldn’t help but chuckle at Erin’s excitement, “Yes Erin it’s me. Come here,
nice and slow.”
Slowly
and painfully Erin made her way toward me. My heart broke as I saw how much
pain she was truly in. James was watching from behind taking a few last minute
notes.
I
kept my voice calm and encouraged her, “Come on Erin just a little more. A few
more steps.”
Erin
finally got to me and hugged me tight. I softened the tone of my voice knowing
she was scared and nervous, “It’s okay Erin. You’re okay.”
Erin’s
voice cracked just a bit, “I can’t believe you came. I didn’t think I was that
important. I mean I am just some cripple with some road rash.”
I
couldn’t help but pick Erin up and hug her tight to me as her words struck a
deep chord with me. I took a quick breath and said, “Oh honey, you are
important. You are a sweet, bright young lady.”
Erin
stumbled a bit on her reply, “Th-thank you.”
I
slowly started walking back toward Erin’s room with her in my arms, “You’re
welcome sweetheart.”
“Doctor
Early, do you know where Johnny, Roy and Dixie are?”
“They’re
all on duty.”
Erin
hung her head at this news, “Oh.”
I
smiled, “Don’t worry though kiddo we’re going to call them.”
She
was surprised, “We are? You’d do that for me?”
“You
bet we are darling.”
Erin
smiled, “Thank you.”
“You’re
welcome sweetheart. Let’s make sure Doctor Smith
is done first.”
“Okay.”
James
smiled and answered me, “She’s all yours Joe. I’ll be back to check on her one
more time before surgery. Page me if you need me before hand.”
“Okay
James I will. Does she have any restrictions?”
“Her
bed, except to go to the bathroom.”
“Got
it. See you later.”
“Bye
Joe. Bye Erin.”
“Bye
Doctor Smith.”
*********************************************************************
James
left. I sat Erin on her bed. She asked, “Who can we call first?”
“How
about we call Dixie? We might luck out, Johnny and Roy might be at the hospital
too.”
“Okay.”
I
picked up the phone in Erin’s room. Out of memory I dialed the emergency
department nurses’ station. After two rings Dixie answered, “Good morning
Rampart General Hospital. This is nurse McCall may I help you?”
“Morning
Dix.”
Dixie
was surprised to hear my voice, “Hi Joe. What can I do for you?”
“Actually
there is somebody here who wants to talk to you.”
I
could tell Dixie was confused, “Oh?”
“Do
you remember Erin Gayz?”
“Yeah
she was a sweet girl. Why?”
“She’s
having some surgery this afternoon because of her cerebral palsy and wanted to
talk to you before hand.”
“Of
course, put her on.”
“Okay
one sec. The next voice you hear will be her.”
“Okay.”
I
took the phone away from my ear, “Here you go Erin, it’s Dixie.”
Erin
smiled, “Thanks Doctor Early.”
“You’re
welcome sweetheart.”
I
handed Erin the phone. While the girls talked, I headed for the bathroom. I
emerged just as Erin finished up with Dixie. I walked back over to the bed.
Erin
smiled, “Thank you.”
“You’re
welcome.”
“Miss
Dixie wants to talk to you.”
“Thank
you, honey.”
Erin
handed me the phone and settled into her bed. “Yes Dix?”
“Thanks
for doing that, Joe.”
I
smiled, “No problem. Hey by any chance are Roy and Johnny there?”
“No.
They were in for a bit right after you left, but didn’t stay long. They should
be back at the station.”
“Okay
thanks Dix. I’ll try them there.”
“You’re
welcome Joe. Do me a favor?”
I
cut Dixie off because I knew what she was thinking, “I’ll call you as soon as I
know more.”
“Thanks
Joe. See you later.”
“No
problem Dix. Good luck.”
We
chuckled as we hung up.
*********************************************************************
I
noticed Erin was getting a bit tired and asked, “Erin, are you up for one more
phone call?”
“Yeah.
I’m just trying to relax, but it’s not working.”
“Okay
honey just rest I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to try and call Johnny and
Roy now.”
Erin
smiled, “Okay.”
I
picked up the phone again. I looked at the clock, it was 8:15, and thought,
“Good LA has them awake already.”
I
dialed the number to 51’s. After three rings a still sleepy sounding Johnny
answered the phone, “Station 51, firefighter/paramedic John Gage.”
“Hi
Johnny, its Joe Early.
I
could tell Johnny was now fully awake and worried, “Hi Joe. Everything okay?”
“Relax
Johnny, everything is fine. I’m actually not at Rampart but at Shriners. I have
somebody here who wants to talk to you and Roy.”
“Hang
on just a second. Let me transfer you to Cap’s office so we can use the speaker
phone.”
“Okay
Johnny.”
Johnny
put me on hold. I turned to Erin, “Johnny, put me on hold so he can switch
phones.”
Erin’s
voice was low because of pain, “Okay. Can you put me on speaker phone? My legs
are sore and I don’t want to drop the phone if my legs lock up.”
“Sure
I can.”
Quickly
I put the phone on speaker. Just as I did Johnny clicked back in, “Doc, ya
there?”
“Yeah
Johnny. Can you hear me okay?”
“Crystal
clear doc. Us?”
“Clear
as can be.”
“Good.”
Slightly
confused Roy asked, “Where are you?”
“Shriners
Hospital. Do you remember Erin Gayz?”
We
could hear both Roy and Johnny suck in a deep breath. I knew they had not
forgotten Erin. Roy spoke for the two of them, “Yeah we do doc.”
Johnny’s
voice was filled with concern, “Is she okay?”
I
smiled at Erin as if to say go ahead you can talk to them.
Erin
answered Johnny, “Yeah guys I’m okay.”
I
smiled at the shock I knew the guys were in. Roy’s voice reflected their
surprise, “Hi Erin.”
Johnny
was equally as cheery, “Good morning.”
“Good
morning guys.”
Roy
asked, “What can we do for you?”
“I
just called to talk to you guys. I’m really nervous.”
Johnny’s
voice softened, “About what honey?”
Erin’s
voice was full of nerves, “I have to have surgery on my legs this afternoon and
I’m scared. That’s why I asked my surgeon to track down Doctor Early, Dixie and
you guys. I don’t have a lot of friends, but I could tell you guys cared about
me when I fell off my bike.”
Johnny’s
voice was full of emotion, “You bet we care sweetheart.”
I
knew this one stung for the guys.
Roy
spoke next fighting his emotions, “We’ve been thinking a lot about you kiddo.
Do you know what time your surgery is?”
“They’re
supposed to give me my medicine about 11:30. By the time it kicks in it’ll
probably be noon.”
Roy
regained his professional control, “Okay. Can you put Doctor Early back on the
regular phone?”
“Sure.
I have to go to the bathroom anyway.”
“Okay
Erin, we’ll see you soon.”
“Take
it easy and relax sweetheart everything will be fine.”
Erin
seemed to relax at the guys’ words, “Thanks guys.”
Johnny
and Roy spoke at the same time, “You’re welcome.”
*********************************************************************
Erin
handed me the phone and headed for the bathroom.
Quick
I put the phone to my ear and take the guys of speaker. “What’s up guys?”
Roy
asked, “Do you think it’s okay if we visit Erin, as long as Cap says yes?”
I
smiled; Roy and Johnny were both so caring. “Sure guys. Do you know the way?”
Johnny
answered, “Yep.”
“Okay.”
“What
room is she in?”
“416.”
“Okay.
We’re going to go talk to Cap. We’ll be there soon.”
“Okay
guys. See ya then.”
They
spoke again at the same time, “Bye doc.”
*********************************************************************
Let
me bring you back to the present for a second. I found out the following
conversation from Roy and Johnny later in the day. This took place at 51’s just
after I hung up with the guys.
*********************************************************************
Johnny
shut the speaker phone off and turned to Roy, “We have to get out there.”
“You
got that right. Let’s go talk to Cap.”
The
guys left Cap’s office and headed back to the dayroom where everybody else was.
Immediately, Hank could tell something was wrong, “What’s wrong?”
Roy
answered, “Cap, would you mind if we respond out of Shriners?”
Hank
was slightly confused at the destination, “Why?”
Johnny
replied, “One of our former patients is asking for us. You remember that girl
Erin we told you about?”
Marco
answered with concern in his voice, “Yeah.”
Chet’s
voice filled with worry as he asked, “Is she okay?”
Johnny
answered, “She is undergoing surgery this afternoon.”
That
was all Hank needed to hear, “Go.”
Mike
added, “Give her our best.”
Roy
quickly spoke, “Will do.”
Chet
decided to do something for Erin, “Wait.”
Chet
got up and left the dayroom. He came back with a teddy bear and a blank piece
of paper. Chet looked at Roy and Johnny, “Two minutes.”
Hank
said, “I’ll call dispatch.”
Roy
spoke, “Thanks Cap.”
Hank
left the dayroom. Chet quickly folded the paper into a card and asked, “Mike,
would you write the main message then we can all sign it?”
Mike
smiled, “Sure Chet.”
Mike
wrote the card out quickly. The guys all signed it. As they finished Hank
walked back in, “You’re good to go boys.”
Johnny
smiled and said, “Thanks Cap.”
“You’re
welcome.”
Roy asked, “Cap, can you sign this before we leave?”
“Sure.”
Roy
handed Hank the card. Hank signed it, gave it back and the guys left.
*********************************************************************
Back
to the present for a second. From now on you’ll have the view from Shriners.
*********************************************************************
I
hung up with Roy and Johnny as Erin walked out of the bathroom. Concerned I
asked, “You okay Erin?”
“Sore
but yeah.”
Erin
climbed back into bed and I tucked her in. She looked so small and fragile.
“Thank you.”
“You’re
welcome honey. Do you need anything?”
“I’m
okay. My parents will be here soon.”
“Okay.”
Erin
grew quiet as she asked, “Will you stay with me?”
I
smiled softly, “I’ll stay as long as you want.”
“Thank
you.”
“You’re
welcome honey.”
Erin
settled into her bed. I grabbed a seat and settled in.
***********************************************************************
Ten
minutes after I hung up with Roy and Johnny I looked up and saw the guys in the
hall.
I
smiled, “Erin, I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.
Can you see if I can get something to drink?”
“I’ll
do my best, but if he’s prepping you for surgery, I don’t know if you’ll be
able to get much.”
“Okay.”
I
stepped out of the room as Roy and Johnny walked toward me. I waved at them to
stay still, they did. I walked up to James, who had just come out of another
patient’s room.
James
was concerned to see me, “Something wrong, Joe?”
I
answered quickly, “No James. Erin is okay, she is thirsty though.”
“I
have her on pre-op restrictions.”
My
emergency department work instinct kicked in, “What about an IV normal saline
to keep her hydrated?”
“Good
idea, but we haven’t started her line yet.”
“No
worries James. I’ll take care of that. I only have one question.”
“Yes
Joe?”
“Do
you want it anywhere specific?”
“Her
right hand.”
“Consider
it done.”
James
and I walked up to the nurse’s station. He got the IV and handed it to me,
“Thanks Joe.”
“No
problem, James.”
“See
you in a bit.”
“You
know where I’ll be.”
James
left. I headed for a very nervous looking Roy and Johnny, “Morning boys.”
“Morning
doc.”
“Morning
doc.”
Roy
looks at the IV and concerned asked, “Everything okay?”
“Erin’s
fine just thirsty, her surgeon has her on pre-op restrictions.”
Johnny
made a face, “Nough said. Does she know we’re here?”
I
grinned, “Not unless she can see us right now.”
Roy
smiled, “Good.”
We
headed for Erin’s room.
*********************************************************************
Johnny
was carrying the bear while Roy had the card and their HT and I had the IV.
I
smiled at Erin as I walked in, “Erin, I brought the best I could do for a
drink.”
“Okay.”
I
smiled broader. “Look who the wind blew in.”
Roy
and Johnny grinned as they walked in. We all chuckled as Erin’s jaw dropped in
surprise, “Roy, Johnny!”
The
guys smiled as Johnny spoke, “Yeppers sweetheart.”
Roy
spoke, “We heard you wanted to see us, so we set it up with our dispatcher.
We’re going to work out of here today.”
I
made a mental note to call fire dispatch and thank them.
Erin
was stunned, “You did that for me?”
The
guys both wore cake-eating grins as Johnny answered, “Yes we did sweetheart.”
Erin
was suddenly a bit shaken up, “Can I have a hug guys?”
Roy’s
voice softened, “Of course sweetheart.”
Johnny’s
voice matched Roy’s. “You bet. In fact while you’re hugging me, do you want Roy
to start your IV?”
“Please.”
Roy
turned to me and asked, “Anywhere specific Joe?”
“Her
surgeon said in her right hand.”
Roy
grimaced but said, “Okay.”
I
handed Roy the IV and stepped back to give him room to work. I couldn’t help
but smile, as I watched Johnny and Roy. While I watched them work I thought,
“Those two are definitely the best hands down!”
Roy
prepped the IV as Johnny picked Erin up. Erin was understandably nervous, “Is
this going to hurt?”
Johnny
smiled softly, “You won’t even feel it honey. Roy’s the best when it comes to
starting IVs on angels like you.”
Erin
smiled and relaxed in Johnny’s arms. Johnny gently rubbed her back to relax her
more. Once she was good and relaxed with her eyes in Johnny’s chest, Johnny
nodded at Roy. In a matter of seconds, Roy had the IV started.
Johnny
smiled, “He’s done Erin.”
Erin
sat up in Johnny’s arms surprised, “Wow and I didn’t even feel anything.”
Johnny
smiled, “See I told you.”
I
chuckled, “Think you’ve done this a time or two, Roy?”
Roy
and Johnny chuckled as Roy spoke, “Yeah you can say that doc.”
Johnny
added, “A time or two or a dozen.”
We
laughed. Roy smiled at Erin and asked, “Can I have a hug?”
Erin
smiled, “Sure.”
Johnny
carefully handed Erin to Roy. Roy gave Erin a hug.
Johnny
spoke, “We actually have something for you.”
Erin
was surprised, “You do?”
Johnny’s
lopsided grin appeared. “Yeah we do. It’s from us and the rest of the guys we
work with.”
I
smiled A shift is so kind. Johnny pulled out the bear and the card. He hands
both to Erin, who was shocked, “Th-thank you.”
Roy
and Johnny both smile softly. Roy spoke first, “You’re welcome honey.”
“You’re
welcome sweetheart.”
Erin
was growing tired, “Can you read the card to me? I’m a little to sleepy to
read.”
Johnny
answered, “Sure.”
Roy
smiled softly, “I’ll lay you down that way you can rest.”
Erin
grew concerned and asked, “You guys and doctor Early stay?”
Johnny
replied, “Until we get a call you bet.”
Roy
added, “We’re not going anywhere.”
I
smiled at Erin, “I’m here for the day honey. Just relax and go back to sleep.”
Erin’s
voice reflected how tired she was, “Okay.”
Carefully
Roy laid Erin down and covered her.
***********************************************************************
Before
Johnny could start with the card Erin’s parents burst into the room.
Her
mother, Kath’s voice was laced with worry, “My baby. What’s wrong with my
baby?”
Johnny
turned and spoke calmly and professionally, “Relax ma’am, nothing is wrong with
Erin. We’re here as friends.”
Erin
spoke sleepily, “Mommy, daddy, meet my friends Johnny, Roy, and Doctor Early.
Roy, can I have my bear?”
Roy
smiled and answered, “Sure darling.”
Roy
gave Erin her bear, “Let Johnny and I introduce ourselves then Johnny will read
the card to you.”
Erin
replied tiredly, “Okay.”
Johnny,
Roy and I stood.
Erin’s
dad Fred questioned us, “Who are you?”
I
answered first, “My name is Doctor Joe Early. I worked on Erin at Rampart
General when she got hurt.”
I
shook hands with Fred and Kath. Kath smiled, “Good to see you again, Doctor
Early.”
I
smiled, “You too folks.”
Roy
answered next, “My name is Roy Desoto. I am a firefighter/paramedic with county
station 51 in Carson.”
Johnny
spoke last, “My name is Johnny Gage. I am also a firefighter/paramedic with
county station 51. Roy and I were the paramedics that responded when Erin got
hurt.”
Kath
and Fred shook Johnny and Roy’s hands. Kath also bear-hugged the boys, “Thank
you.”
Roy
smiled, “Our pleasure ma’am.”
Johnny
asked, “Would you mind if I read a card then you can spend time with Erin?”
Fred
smiled, “By all means.”
Erin
spoke asked tiredly, “Where you going?”
Roy
answered, “Just for a walk to let your mom and dad have some time with you.
We’ll still be in the building unless we get a call.”
Johnny
smiled, “The guys sent this over. It says, ‘to Our Good Friend Erin. Here’s a
Little Something to Help You Get Well Soon. From Your Friends Station 51 A
Shift: Captain Hank Stanley, Engineer Mike Stoker, Firefighter Marco Lopez,
Firefighter Chet Kelly, Firefighter/Paramedic Roy Desoto and
Firefighter/Paramedic Johnny Gage’.”
Erin
smiled. Johnny continued, “Then we all added our own messages.”
“Can
you read them?”
“Sure.
Chet wrote, ‘feel better soon Erin’. Marco wrote, ‘Buenta Suerete mi amiga.
Good luck my friend’. Mike wrote, ‘good luck Erin, feel better soon’. ‘Cap
wrote, ‘you’re in our thoughts today Erin. Any friend of Johnny and Roy is a
friend of ours. Best wishes sweetheart’. Roy wrote, ‘hang in there honey.
You’ll be fine’. I wrote, ‘hang in there little one. You are extremely strong.
Feel better soon’.”
Erin
smiled as her face reflected how tired and touched she was, “Thanks guys that
means a lot.”
Roy
smiled and said, “You’re welcome sweetheart.”
Johnny
spoke up, “We’re going to go for a bit of a walk honey. We’ll be back soon.”
Erin
was three-quarters asleep and said, “Okay.”
I
spoke up, “I am going to go with them. If you need anything just have us
paged.”
Fred
replied, “Will do.”
***********************************************************************
Johnny,
Roy and I left Erin’s room.
Johnny
waited til we were out of ear shot to speak, “Doc, is there somewhere we can
talk?”
“Yeah
Johnny, that’s where we’re going. You guys look like you need a few minutes to
regroup.”
Roy
spoke for both of them, “Yeah we do, Joe.”
As
we get to the elevator Bill walked off. I smiled, “Hi Bill.”
“Hi
Joe.”
“I
was actually just about to come looking for you.”
“Okay.
Who are your friends?”
I
smiled proudly, “Bill, meet my friends, paramedics John Gage and Roy Desoto
from county station 51. Roy, Johnny, meet my friend Bill Masters the Chief of
Staff here at Shriners.”
The
guys shook hands. Bill spoke first,
“Good to meet you guys.”
Roy
spoke, “Good to meet you too sir.”
I
asked, “Bill, where is that staff room? The boys want to talk.”
“Come
on guys.”
“Thank
you.”
“You’re
welcome.”
We
all got in the elevator. As the doors closed Bill said, “I should have had Joe
warn you.”
Roy
spoke first, “It’s okay Bill.”
Johnny
added, “It’s just some cases can’t be shaken easily. Erin’s been on our minds
for a few days.”
“I
understand guys. Anything you need me to do while you’re here?”
Johnny
replied, “Nope, as long as there is access to the stairs we’re good.”
“Okay.”
***********************************************************************
The
elevator stopped on the first floor. As we got off my eyes quickly settled on a
piano just across the hall. Bill followed my line of sight and said, “We have
another one upstairs on the therapy floor.”
“Okay.”
Bill
led us to a room at the end of the hall opposite the room where the piano is.
“Thanks
Bill.”
Bill’s
voice was full of concern, “No problem Joe. You guys need anything?”
“No
thanks.”
“No
thank you.”
“No
thanks. Just keep a stairwell clear for us.”
“Consider
it done. Take as long as you guys need. If Erin needs you, I know where you
are. If you need me just find a phone and have me paged.”
“Will
do Bill.”
Bill
unlocked the door and Roy, Johnny and I walk in.
***********************************************************************
I
closed the door behind us.
It
was a small room, but not extremely small. It had a couple of couches, a fridge
and a trash can in it. According to Bill the walls were soundproof.
A
shaken Roy spoke first, “Damn.”
Johnny’s
voice cracked with emotion, “That kid is so strong. She doesn’t deserve the
stuff she’s going through.”
I
spoke sadly, “None of these kids do, Johnny.”
Roy
asked, “Do we have a magic wand?”
“I
wish Roy. I really wish we did.”
Johnny
spoke, “Joe, you know Kel’s rule of don’t become attached to the patient…”
I cut
Johnny off, “In this case it’s been long gone Johnny.”
Roy
added, “She’s strong yet nobody knows it.”
“Friends
mean a lot to her.”
Johnny
said, “She just picked up a station full.”
I
added, “And an emergency department full.”
Roy
took a quick breath and said, “I’m as nervous about Erin’s surgery as if she
was my own daughter.”
“We
all are Roy.”
Johnny
spoke as he calmed down, “The guys at the station about kicked us out when they
found it was Erin.”
I
smiled as I calmed down, “That doesn’t surprise me.”
A
light bulb went off in my head and I asked, “Roy, Johnny, you want to help me
with something for these kids?”
Johnny
sounded intrigued, “Sure doc.”
Roy
asked, “What can we do?”
“When
are you guys off this week?”
Roy answered, “Day after tomorrow for two.”
I
smiled, “Perfect. I’m starting to think of something fun for Erin and the rest
of the kids here.”
The
guys grinned broadly as Johnny spoke, “Sounds perfect.”
Roy
added, “Just let us know how to help and we’ll do it.”
I
smiled at the guys’ enthusiasm to help.
“I
will guys.”
***********************************************************************
Okay
back to the present. I’m going to stop there with my day so I have enough time
to write my dream out before work. Erin’s surgery went amazingly well! Score
one for the good guys.
Erin
was still on my mind when I got home. As I closed my eyes my mind started to
kick into gear. This time I wasn’t thinking of a case, for once. I was actually
thinking of the idea I mentioned to Roy and Johnny. Below is what I came up
with as far as planning. I might have to cut some corners because of time, but
you’ll get the idea. Enjoy!
***********************************************************************
I
opened my eyes, but I was not in my house anymore. I was actually back at
Shriners. Details for the party started flooding me. Without even thinking
about it I grabbed a pen and notebook. I was too
tired to be completely detail oriented tonight, but here it goes. In my sleep I
wrote
People
to invite:
Kids
James
Bill
Erin’s
parents
Dixie
Kel
51’s
A shift
Things
to do:
Clear
party with hospital
Test
hospital piano
Pick
music
Send
invites to 51’s, Kel, Dixie, Bill and James
See
if Marco and Mike will cook
Come
up with snacks
Decorate
room
Buy
paper products
Buy
decorations
Make
sure somebody has a camera and film
Find
out any restrictions we have
Work
with music
It
was then I woke up thinking about music.
***********************************************************************
Ugh,
I just looked at the time and realized I have to get ready for work. Thanks for
listening tonight. Hopefully in a few days I will be writing the party up for
you.
Til we meet again
Joe the piano playing doc