“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Maya Angelou

As we traveled from the hospital to the rehabilitation center, I was so grateful for this next part of mom’s journey. After three weeks in the hospital, she was ready to start physical therapy. The young EMT workers made sure mom was riding comfortable and secured. When we arrived, I walked beside the gurney holding on to her belongings. I was however immediately stopped by security. Due to strict COVID-19 rules, no one was allowed to go beyond the lobby entrance. I was devastated and felt helpless. In my anxiousness, I did not understand the rehab center personnel were protecting her and all of its residents from the coronavirus. It was October 2020 and the center was 100% COVID free; this was a huge endeavor after the many loses our city had experienced.

After pleading with the director, my quiet and soft spoken mother looked at me and said, “It’s okay, I’ll be fine.” Then one of the EMT workers with kind eyes said not to worry that they would ensure mom was settled comfortably. As I waited for their return, the director joined me and promised she would check in on mom after I left and lay out her belongings in their place. She assured me that mom was in good hands. The EMT workers came down and let me know mom was resting in her bed with fluffed pillows. I expressed my deepest gratitude to all and went home with a sense of calmness from the kindness shown to not just mom, but myself.

In the hands of God and the many loving healthcare workers, mom was safe and was provided the care and PT she needed for her continued health. One day out of the blue, I received a FaceTime call from her. One of the healthcare workers had arranged a surprise virtual visit for us. We spent 15 minutes talking and laughing… again, because of the kindness of a healthcare worker.

I learned important lessons during that time. Again, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness through the compassion and generosity of others… our healthcare workers. They were the light for my mother and for so many patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be to today.

Remind me God what kindness can do for others… in expressing generosity I might just make someone feel loved, calm and less anxious as those healthcare workers did for me and mom.

Shared by Sandy Diaz