Unsung Heroes

Sometimes, it is those in the background, the ones who are not center stage, that make a difference. The heroes among us who do their work, unceremoniously unnoticed.  I have chosen three colleagues of mine from the Psych hospital where I work, who touch the lives of our patients every day and whose acts of kindness, surely will last a lifetime.

The Music Man, Jeff our Driver

“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens..” Maria von Trapp

On a gray and misty day outside the Acute Care Unit of the hospital, a steady drizzle of rain falls. Ten patients, ranging from 22 to 70- years-of age, await the van which will take them on the short ride across campus, to breakfast. The group is sullen, downcast. Whether it be from their own personal circumstances, or the weather, is uncertain. The van materializes in the distance, then slowly climbs the hill, coming to a stop. As the doors open and the boarding procession begins, the driver, Jeff, greets all with a warm hello. I wait, knowing what comes next. “So, what’ll it be today?” Jeff calls out to a younger patient seated in the first seat. The boy looks up with some uncertainty, then responds, “Sweet Caroline?”  In the moments that follow, a meaningful change takes place. The van comes alive as one, then two, then all on board sing the refrain “Sweet Caroline, good times never seem so good. So good, so good, SO GOOD!”  And Jeff, who always seems to know the exact song needed at any given moment, may sometimes sing along. He may also sense at any given time, that the sound of silence is the best selection because every day, like every patient, is a little different. Such a simple and small gesture, in offering a favorite song and in using the power of music to transform. A brightly colored, hand crafted sign, hangs prominently inside the front of the van, penned by the kids who are staying on our adolescent unit. “To Jeff. Thank you for everything you do!” Another positioned just beside the first reads, “To Jeff, the Magic School bus driver!” The appreciation is clear; the gratitude displayed in their artwork. But playing songs on the radio is hardly Jeff’s only talent. Few know, he is a talented pianist with a penchant for Billy Joel songs, often played so beautifully you would think it was the piano man himself at the keys rather than our resident driver. We thank you Jeff. Your music allows our patients a means of expression when their words sometimes cannot.

The Book Whisperer, Anne, Librarian

“The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library” Albert Einstein

A young woman sits quietly in her room. Newly admitted she is reluctant to join others in the milieu and has chosen to isolate. I sit down next to her and ask how I can help. “Is there anything that might make you feel more comfortable?”  She is near tears and confides “I forgot my Harry Potter book at home and reading is the only thing that helps me feel better.”  I smiled and told her about our wonderful library right here on campus and even better, our gem of a librarian, Anne Romano who has the unique knack to track down any book a patient might request, even if not presently in our library. If she cannot deliver a specific book, she will find one that is a close second to a patient’s interests. In less than thirty minutes, after a phone call to Anne, not only was the Harry Potter book found, but personally hand delivered by Anne herself. Two hours later, I approached the woman who now sat contentedly in the day room chair, absorbed in her novel. Calm and content, I am not certain who had worked their magic more, Harry, or Anne. The small library hosts an array of choices. Books, both fiction and nonfiction, Young Adult, Poetry, Biography, Magazines, Newspapers, and for those who may not wish to read or lack the concentration to do so, a gigantic crossword puzzle laid out on a table. Anne has filled the library with little touches, all adding to the welcoming atmosphere. A Buddha sits serenely perched in the corner, his half smile welcoming patrons. A wide array of brightly colored bookmarks are free for the taking and a bowl of hard candies in a small dish sit on the ledge for those with a sweet tooth. Extra reading glasses are available for patients in need. A cozy sofa and armchair sit in the corner of the room, awaiting that someone, who may want to do nothing at all. The small and intimate library, offers an oasis of calm and learning to visiting patients, on what can sometimes be a bumpy road to recovery.

A quote by Judy Blume comes to mind when I think about Anne, who is always there to go that extra mile for our patients. “Librarians save lives by handing the right book, at the right time, to a person in need.”  Yes, we most definitely agree.

The Magic Man – Psychiatric Technician – Josh

“Where there is kindness, there is goodness and where there is goodness, there is magic” Cinderella

It is mid- afternoon on our inpatient unit. A therapeutic walk previously scheduled, has just been cancelled due to icy conditions on campus. The patients are disappointed and beginning to get restless. “Hey Josh!” someone calls out, “how about a card trick?”  To describe Josh’s talents as the performer of a simple card trick does not do him justice. Not only is Josh warm and amiable in his role as a Psychiatric Technician, but he is also a master illusionist that can hold patients mesmerized and delighted with his skills. Several moments later, I glance in the living room. Josh stands center as a group of patients gather around him, transfixed, as he shuffles the cards in a blur of agility and speed. “Who wants to go first?” he asks the group, and several hands fly up instantaneously. Next comes instruction on shuffling as several try their hand at new tips learned as a result of Josh’s expertise. The room has been transformed, the patients engaged and focused as they learn coveted tips from the master. Josh’s dad is an avid poker player which is what first sparked his interest at age eight. He presently owns over 1,200 decks of cards. His favorite, called “Cherry Casino” is named for a nonexistent casino, and was designed by his friend. It has been sold by the thousands. We are so grateful to Josh for working his magic through both his card skills and attentive nature, in caring for our patients.

In the words of Lewis Carroll, “One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.” Thank you Jeff, Anne and Josh. I couldn’t have said it better myself.