I was in the ICU twice during a two-week hospital stay. This is a story of Heaven and Hell. Everything was a whirlwind of activity. I was intubated, but could still hear and feel what was going on around me. I couldn’t move, and I couldn’t talk. Everyone was doing their job. There was no way to communicate. I was in and out of consciousness. I was trapped in a body that could not communicate my needs. I was sure this was Hell.

My eyes are opening and closing. I hear pleasant, cheerful voices. I see a smiling, radiant young lady communicating with me, Kate. I hear another sweet sound. Johanne is also talking to me. They take off my restraints. They were bathing me. They were brushing my teeth. They asked me if I liked Fleetwood Mac and played it. Johanna fixed my hair to mirror the way that hers looked and to keep it from matting. They were concerned about my swollen ring finger with my wedding ring. I felt like I was getting a spa treatment—Heaven. 

"I’m in the ICU?" I thought.  They were taking care of me with such an open heart, connecting with me and relating to me. They made me feel like a person, more than just a body that needed saving. This memory is so warm, so filled with human contact and communication, so positive, it brings healing just recalling this occurrence. They created a memory for me of my time in the ICU, so special, so caring, so above and beyond the mechanics of keeping my body stable, safe, clean, and alive, which they also did, that I can honestly say it was like a glimpse of heaven.

It is because of the genuine way that they communicated with a barely conscious person that made all the difference. I hope my story conveyed how important human connection and personal attention are to the healing of the body, mind, and soul, which are crucial to recovery. These women embody this spirit.