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Sharon Weissman on learning who it is about
My Patient is Gone!
As I near the completion of my fourth unit of CPE at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri, I have been looking back upon my experiences providing pastoral care to patients. For many years I have been writing poetry to express deeply felt emotions about various situations that life has presented to me.
I wrote this poem during my first month at the hospital. I had been visiting a man over a period of about a week and we had developed a trusting relationship within which he had shared many personal stories. One day, I went to see him and he was no longer there. This poem expresses my feelings of grief and loss.
My Patient is Gone!
How is this possible?
Mr. K. is gone!
Thank God, he’s not dead
Just transferred to a different hospital
To have surgery.
But my needs are not being met!
I wasn’t able to say goodbye and
Wish him good luck.
No more deep conversations or witticisms.
No more deep discussions about alcoholism
Or his kids,
Or the problems with his wife.
I have to learn that it is NOT about me.
I have to try to meet the needs of other patients
Who might need me as much as Mr. K.
But losses are not so easily assuaged.
I will grieve and move on,
Hopefully…………..
Sharon Weissman is in CPE training at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. After a 30+ year career in medical/ oncology social work, she felt that her talents could be used in chaplaincy. Upon completion of her training she is hoping to serve either in a hospital or a hospice. Sharon is grateful to her supervisors and peers who encouraged her to submit her poetry.
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