Bureaucracy And All That Jazz
TO GET APPOINTMENTS with specialists, I had to deal with brisk clerks, uncaring telephone operators, and too much “hold” music. But I couldn’t allow myself the luxury of frustration.
SOMETIMES I DEALT with nurses who didn’t speak English as a first language, and I was left confused and uncertain. Many times I wanted to give up, to rest, to put off until I was stronger what had to be done, but I didn’t have that kind of time. Instead, I put aside my own feelings and plowed ahead.
I OFTEN HEAR CANCER PATIENTS complain that they have so much trouble getting through the bureaucracy of the doctor’s staff that they just put their treatment off. I can understand that.
WE GET SUCH MIXED MESSAGES. While the doctor referring me emphasized how important it was that I act quickly, the receptionist at the specialist’s office frequently told me I’d have a six-week wait.
AS MUCH AS I HATED that I might be the object of anyone’s pity, I decided to be honest. When I was next told I’d have to wait for an appointment, I said, “I’ve been told I have six months to live. I’m in a race. Can you please help me?” And the door opened. People became my heroes when I gave them a reason.
SURVIVORS OF CANCER tell of synchronicity, of feeling guided. I have my stories too. Stories of people who went the extra mile for me when they themselves were overworked and over-tired. Of their finding a way when there was no way. Stories of appointments and operating theaters I got because someone else canceled. Of kind words whispered and prayers shared with strangers and with nurses whose names I never knew.
I FOUND MYSELF STRUCK with awe by prayers swiftly answered in ways that left me no room to doubt I was being propelled along by God.
EVEN TODAY THE RED TAPE (and, yes, the occasional fumbling) sometimes makes me weary, but the people I deal with remind me I’ve got a friend in Jesus—and He’s sent me plenty of help!
You’re blessed. Be a blessing!
SOMETIMES I DEALT with nurses who didn’t speak English as a first language, and I was left confused and uncertain. Many times I wanted to give up, to rest, to put off until I was stronger what had to be done, but I didn’t have that kind of time. Instead, I put aside my own feelings and plowed ahead.
I OFTEN HEAR CANCER PATIENTS complain that they have so much trouble getting through the bureaucracy of the doctor’s staff that they just put their treatment off. I can understand that.
WE GET SUCH MIXED MESSAGES. While the doctor referring me emphasized how important it was that I act quickly, the receptionist at the specialist’s office frequently told me I’d have a six-week wait.
AS MUCH AS I HATED that I might be the object of anyone’s pity, I decided to be honest. When I was next told I’d have to wait for an appointment, I said, “I’ve been told I have six months to live. I’m in a race. Can you please help me?” And the door opened. People became my heroes when I gave them a reason.
SURVIVORS OF CANCER tell of synchronicity, of feeling guided. I have my stories too. Stories of people who went the extra mile for me when they themselves were overworked and over-tired. Of their finding a way when there was no way. Stories of appointments and operating theaters I got because someone else canceled. Of kind words whispered and prayers shared with strangers and with nurses whose names I never knew.
I FOUND MYSELF STRUCK with awe by prayers swiftly answered in ways that left me no room to doubt I was being propelled along by God.
EVEN TODAY THE RED TAPE (and, yes, the occasional fumbling) sometimes makes me weary, but the people I deal with remind me I’ve got a friend in Jesus—and He’s sent me plenty of help!
You’re blessed. Be a blessing!
posted by Chronic Hope at 5:08 PM
1 Comments:
Doors also opened because you are charitable in the best sense... and kind and loving. I think that sort of persons just gets more prayers answered and more doors opened. Civility matters!
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