Undead Astronauts

It seems that there will never be a time when everyone will be content on enjoying the night in there own quarters, wherever that may be. Tonight starts out as what has become typical…busy. Luckily, another occurrence that has become recurrent is my companionship. Every night it is somebody new, but every night the company is enjoyable.

Everyday I am amazed at the tribulations and triumphs that the body endures. Today to be reminded and humbled by variance and unpredictability. The nonagenarian that appears so frail has triumphed the trials of time; for to remain amongst us today, must be undoubtedly resilient in a manner my youth cannot understand. Yet in the same building, an anxious spirit whom has barely endured one fourth that time has drifted away, now calm.

As an bystander, I can only observe, for trying to make reason for such things will never be accomplished.

I now wonder if the dream I have set forth is achievable. As one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure; the time of the night I have accustomed to peace and quiet, is another’s darkness for upheaval and commotion. I can only hope that the commotion stays away from here.

As daylight draws upon us, the dream fades once more…..

I walk into work as usual. Arriving into the lounge, I see not a soul from the day shift. This could mean one of two things. 1) They are just busy. 2) They are really busy. I take my chance to sit and relax a little, as I feel the night will again be active.

Not five minutes after hitting the chair, the pager erupts. A new night, the same story. Tonight I am working with an old colleague, we decide to knock ‘em out and get done as soon as possible. As we are burning the midnight oil, it seems new arrivals are entering constantly. Poor prognosis for some.

It seems no one is home tonight, no one is sleeping….my dream…definitely not today.

Another night of admissions. The dream of everyone staying home and sleeping well is ongoing. As tonight is another busy one. Ended up with a full house today. But, as with last night, tonight’s company was great, my job made very easy. We were able to get the patients tucked in quickly and be done.

The dream of a night where everyone stays home, and sleeps well…hopefully to be fulfilled sometime this month.

As I walk into work tonight, I am greeted by the exiting team that there are already patients ready waiting for me. The hopes of an uneventful night dashed before a neuron could begin the process of trying to commence the thought. Let’s get to work.

Progressing through the night, it was evident that tonight’s company would be pleasant. We sprinkled the night with conversation and laughter, with little jabs at society here and there. Eight hours later, it seems the pressing issues have been taken care of. It was time to slow down. Quite relieved that nothing unexpected has happened so far tonight.

I realize that I must slightly modify my dream for the month, as looking back, it has been a relatively uneventful night, and with tonight’s company, even pleasant; however it was long. Work was done with no surprises. So as I continue to morph the dream of the month, I think of…

I dream of a night where everyone stays home, and sleeps well.

It is now 2am in this cold night. It has indeed been quiet. In a place such as this, the silence is greatly appreciated…..what’s that……oh… I have spoken too soon.
The announcement of misfortune has declared itself. Ahhh!!…the noisemaking messenger they call a beeper upon my belt now screams for attention. Alas, it seems as though the dream of an uneventful night will have to be postponed.

The first being we examine may shock some at first. Her lips bright red, with dark, dried, remnants outlining, as well as on her teeth. I observed as my colleague interrogates.

Then my colleague states she is not feeling to well…need to sit…I open the door for her, glance away, and catching up to her, realize that is about to go limp. I catch her, in much surprise, calling her name….no response…she has turned white…I carry her to the nearest chair and call for aid. We carry her to the nearest bed and intravenous fluids are administered. Reassuringly, she promptly awakens. My mind now at ease, I continue to our, well now, my work.

The dream of an uneventful night….maybe tomorrow.