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I am in my final ‘burst’ of physical rehabilitation at the Royal Melbourne Hospital – Royal Park. After 6 months as an inpatient, an intensive additional 6 months or so and another 3 years off and on, I seemingly have come to the end of my Royal Park odyssey. For now anyway.

I have been thinking about this for the last few weeks, and I cannot really come up with an adequate way of saying thank you to all the truly fantabulous people who have helped me over the last few years. It has been about 6 months since my last visit to Royal Park, and many of the faces have changed. I see the nurses, physios, OT’s etc and wonder if they understand the sizable and significant affect they have on our lives. Sure the 6 months I was an inpatient was nearly 4 years ago and probably barely registers to those who’s every day is dedicated to helping those who need it but even though it represents a small portion of my adult life, it has had an significant impact. Sure the nature of the circumstances meant it was pretty important in my life, but as a result all the nurses, physios, doctors, therapists, administration staff, kitchen staff and everyone else whom helped me during that time, all hold an important place in my memory. All those that helped me during that time I consider to be fundamental to helping me ‘get through it’. Sure I admit, I cannot remember all the names, but I hope I remember everyone who was there and helped me in some way, from the extra desserts at dinner, smiling faces at the medical centre, helping me out of the shower, encouraging me to try and try again – it was all truly awesome.

It feels somewhat inadequate, but those who have been therapists for me over the last few years are all worthy of some sort of grand massive prize. I don’t know what that prize would be, but it is an amazing one, take my word for it. Apart from the practical measurable improvements, just the reassuring words and acknowledgement that I am getting better means a lot. It is easy to get ‘caught up’ in life and lose perspective on these things. So having an expert make positive noises about my progress was a fillip to my confidence.

I think the one thing I want to get across, is that I am sure some days at work suck. Stuck in traffic, late for work, can’t get a car park, forgot your lunch, someone was an ass, no tea bags left, need a holiday kind of days. But I hope in some way the ‘crappy’ day can be made a little easier by knowing that for someone the help you provided allowed them to get through their day, provided a smile and proved yet again that people are amazing and tomorrow is so definitely worth seeing.

Very nice comment Joel. My sister has gone through this, and the ups and downs can be small or large. But it's often the little things we ignore (or bypass) that can be the biggest benefits.

Thanks so much for this Joel. I was a hospital social worker for many years and there are many difficult days and the fact that there are no tea bags in the kitchen is often the last straw!

But you keep doing it, and you watch your colleagues keep doing it, because you can see the difference it makes to your patients, who all deserve the very, very best. And many of whom take the time to ask you how about your day, even though they are having a tough time, much tougher than any no-teabag day.

All the best Joel,

Jude

Hi All,

Joel has written some other fabulous posts that you may also want to read here.

Including a really interesting blog called 'ripped off' where Joel talks about the grit and toil of recovery.

Diana