Whiskey for all!

She was being packaged. Prepared for transport to a facility where a higher level of care would be able to better manage her condition. I stood quietly outside the room. Offering the team assistance where I could. Mostly though, I spoke with the husband. Spoke about kids. About marriage. About how just a few hours before she had been after him about how he loaded the dishwasher. He was a few years older than her. She was his second. Both lasting a long time. We spoke of flying, of family, of raising little ones, and of outdoor adventures… all going well in the room. Routine management of very critically ill …ha… never really routine. Astounding what can be done by incredible people. I’d done my checks and advised our dispatch we’d be leaving soon. Then things turned. Alarms sounded. Crash cart and staff arrived. The room filled determined to get her back. She was gone. And there he and I stood. Shoulder to shoulder in the hallway looking into the room. I placed a hand on his shoulder. I did not say a word. What was there to say… He turned slightly, raising a weathered hand he patted my chest. Looking me in the eye. His eyes watery but not a tear dropped. His voice trembling yet resolved he whispered, “Never miss a chance to tell them you love them. Hug and kiss them often. You never know when you will lose them. Make sure they know everyday that you love them.” And with that. He let her go. The room emptied. He entered alone to sit by her side awhile. We organized our gear and headed to our next call.