The Icelandic Canadian - 01.04.2001, Page 33

Vol. 56 #2
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
71
Room” provided for those who had just lost
their family member and friend. This room
was also the area that families were called
together for a meeting with the Doctors to
hear the latest medical update on our patients.
Some of us were fortunate to have our Pastor
with us at all these meetings—as well as reg-
ular visits throughout the week. His presence
was of the utmost importance.
From the SICU area to the “Step Down”
ward for cardiac patients was a big day.
Anxious moments caused major concern in
terms of the 24-hour care that we had become
accustomed to. However, the step down ward
was comforting with the greatest of medical
attention and needs. Progressing after a few
days, we saw the move to the regular ward. A
room with two beds and still, the professional
care. There were sitters that were on duty 24
hours while the patient was still unable to
communicate. There were speech therapists
and occupational therapists already on the
scene which eventually became vitally impor-
tant to the restoration of the communication
links and body healing.
After a period of approximately three
months, two major surgeries and the removal
of the trachea, the next step was “home.” On
a “pass” from the hospital after just three
hours, Gordon developed a blood clot in his
leg. It was back to the hospital—and intra-
venous for another eight days. The ’98 Brier
was being telecast—and took much of the dis-
appointment away from the setback. The tri-
als and tribulations were many following
release from the hospital—but with determi-
nation and continuing care from community
services, Gordon is now a member of the
Kinsmen Reh-Fit Centre and his state of
health is remarkable.
Often, on our visits and appointments to
Cardiac Surgeons, Speech Therapist,
Occupational Therapists—and just a neat
“hello” to the 3rd floor staff, I would find a
way to revisit the 7th floor. The silence is still
there.
We will always understand the faith that
is needed. We will always respect our medical
people for their service. We will always
appreciate the silence.
This article was written with the greatest
respect for those persons and medical staff
who were involved (and, in some cases con-
tinue) with Gordon’s survival and amazing
recovery beginning in January of 1998. It is
a thumb nail sketch of anyone and everyone
who has been the “visitor” in the lounge on
the 7th floor by the SICU, at the ‘step down ’
ward and the general cardiac ward on the 3rd
floor at the Health Sciences Centre in
Winnipeg.
The United Nations
International Year of
Volunteers 2001