In this article, I decided to talk about the great encounters I had while being hospitalized. I firmly believe that things always happen for a reason and that every encounter that leaves its mark.

Let’s not forget that at the start of the 70s, a 5-year-old child suffering from Crohn’s disease was kind of a “weird phenomenon”. All of my hospitalizations were enriching experiences.

This first person I think of is the nurse that would give me my evening snack. I was always excited to see him and his ice cream. I had my first surgery when I was five years old. It was on my throat. My favourite moment of the day was when the smiling nurse would bring me cold ice cream. When the lights would dim I’d stare at the door frame, because this meant he was about to arrive. Every time, I’d savour my creamy snack while sharing the contagious and friendly smile of the nurse.

Another great encounter I had was when I was 12 years old. At that time, I was being hospitalized for severe stomach cramps, and I was going to be tube fed for six months to let my intestine rest. They put me in a room with a teenager suffering from anorexia. Actually, they put me there because she chose me. Usually, she didn’t want anyone in the room with her. I was her perfect match. I think it was probably because we both weren’t eating. We were together for two months and every day our friendship and compassion grew. She’d cheer me on and hold my hand when there were issues while sliding the tube through my nose. I’d tell her how good her food smelled to try and get her to eat. I didn’t understand why she’d reject food like that. I’d get jealous every time she would get her food. God, I would’ve eaten it all up! I wasn’t afraid of telling her what thought. Those who know me know that I can be as diplomatic as a bulldozer. Strangely, our encounter made her made up with food and she started eating regularly. Today, I still think of her as a young, courageous and strong teenager who was so beautiful. And I kept telling her that back then. She finally saw how beautiful she was. I even saw her talking about what she went through on TV. She was even stronger and even more beautiful than she was before. When I saw her, I thanked life for putting her on my path.

The last encounter I’ll be sharing with you happened during a difficult time in my life. It happened when I was between 12 and 17 years old. My Crohn’s disease was made worse by family stress. I also developed malignant psoriasis between my knees and ankles. It all started with a small zit, but it eventually became bigger. My biggest wound was 5 cm in diameter and 3 cm in depth, and it hurt! The only effective treatment was taking medicated baths like the ones people who suffer major burns take to remove dead skin. Every time I’d go take one, a young 3 to 5-year-old child was also there. He was burned from head to toe. I remember crying from pain, and I literally wanted to bite those who put medicated water on my wounds, because it felt like taking a shower of needles. I would then look up when I heard the other kids cry and I’d think: “Thank you life for putting them on my path.” We were empathetic to each other, and we’d support each other that way. I was hoping life would be good for all of them.

Wow! I made so many inspiring and enriching encounters… I could’ve shared so many more with you. Everyone leaves a mark on the people they meet. It doesn’t matter whether the impact we have is big or small, because it can really do good to others and help them grow.

Geneviève B. 

This article is brought to you by : Ultra Medic