Recently, I experienced the most intense, grueling game and as a result, I need to talk about the "players". Quarterback play is critical for a game to have a successful outcome, but that quarterback must be surrounded by teammates following his lead. These team members have to be highly skilled at their positions and equally committed to facing the challenge with stamina and focus on the goal. Grounds crew, athletic directors, and team managers joined the battle in this amazing game and I have to share what it was like to be there when all this magic came together and a checkmark was added to the "W" column.
You see, on Sept.
16th I checked in to Parkridge Hospital for a major surgery on my spine. My wife referred to it as "having my chassis rebuilt". It was more than I bargained for and the recovery has been more than I anticipated. But let me tell you about the winning team that got the "win" for me.
Quarterback - Dr. Richard Pearce is prime time! Before the surgery, someone told me "If you're Catholic, you go to the Pope. If you need back surgery, you go to Richard Pearce." Spot on. He executed a game plan in a way to put our beloved Peyton to shame. My favorite moment may have been when he pointed to a large TV screen in the operating room and told me he was going to broadcast a YouTube video on "how to" do my procedure since he wasn't sure how...but not to worry...he would just watch what they did on the video, then he would do that on me. Never underestimate the value of comic relief.
Teammates - Every.single.person I encountered from the minute I walked in, to the minute I was rolled out of Parkridge, was a winner. Highly trained professionals who gave nothing less than 110 percent. Their tasks were often a mix of skill and manual labor. They met every challenge like champions. I shouldn't mention names, but Nurse Doug, CNA Shae, PTA's Zack and Levi...they stepped up in ways that were game changers. When you meet people like this in your most vulnerable times, you understand who the real superstars are in our world!
Team manager - You know that was Shelia. I am going to call her the "Mike Royster" of this team. She started game planning weeks before the game. She helped me drop some pounds before the "big game", she thought of things I needed when I didn't even know I needed them, and since I have been recovering at home, she is taking care of more jobs than you want to know about. She is supported in her job by Christi and Davey who have brought food, picked up necessary medical equipment, moved furniture, and been there 24/7 as needed.
Grounds crew, AD, etc. - All those behind the scenes people at Parkridge Hospital that provide a sparkling clean facility, a health care culture that truly put the patient first, and employ the 5 star players...well done!
And the COACH? Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow. By His hand, we are healed. I felt surrounded by His prayerful people and protected by His tender mercies.
I am counting the days until I can be back on the sidelines!
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