The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

I was offered a very flattering compliment today by the Occupational Therapist I work with at the hospital. We were working with a patient who is morbidly obese on the cardiac ICU. She has a tracheostomy (a tube for breathing that goes into the front of your neck) and is unable to speak. In order to communicate, she lip syncs everything. Yesterday, I saw this patient alone to do some exercises to keep her strong. She was getting bored with counting to 15 for each exercise so she decided to dance a little bit. We had fun!

Today, I saw her with the OT so we could sit her at the edge of the bed. Anna (OT) was already in the room when I got there, but when I walked in, this patients face lit up! :) She remembered me from yesterday. Throughout the treatment she was communicating mostly with me. I was struggling and expressed my apologies to her for it taking me a while to figure out what she was trying to say (could you imagine? so frustrating!). She was understanding. After the treatment we chatted for a couple minutes and then Anna was signaling it was time for our lunch break. I told Anna that I should probably learn to say bye to patients quicker so I could be more efficient with my time.

Instead of agreeing, Anna complimented me on how well I listen to patients and offer my attention to them. She said she could tell that this particular patient really appreciated it. 

THAT is why I got into PT. To make a difference in a patients day, even if it is as little as talking about where I am from and doing a little dance with them :)