Talking Dogs in Hospital

Available for over a year

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Hope Lonergan Good morning. A couple of weeks ago I had a visit to the hospital – which, as we know, is always a fun, happening place to be. I was last admitted in 2015. Since then there’s been a noticeable decline in some of the “amenities” and a sagging morale amongst the staff. But, in spite of these drawbacks, I also observed the best of the NHS. Especially during long stretches of night where – in-between people watching – I counted cheap, fissured ceiling tiles until morning cracked the horizon. There was an older guy on a bed in the corridor. He was senile and partially impaired by alcohol withdrawal. He also had a broken back. He kept trying to assert his independent spirit and clamber out of the bed to “take myself to hospital” (even though he was already there). He also wanted to rope in harried, overburdened nurses to sing drinking songs with him; to talk about his favourite dogs (Irish setter). Nurses could have treated a “difficult” patient like this as if they’re an insolent child; a problem to be swatted away. Instead they sang the songs and talked about dogs and didn’t once show a hint of suppressed ire. And throughout a 12 hour night shift, this façade didn’t break even once. So today, I pray for the people who keep us alive, who keep us well, and who discuss the merits of an Irish setter at 3 in the morning, despite such difficult circumstances. It truly is a vocation and much appreciated by myself and many. My Mum and my Aunty were part of the same work force for the bulk of their lives so I’ve witnessed the strong, upstanding individuals it produces. Amen.