Workin’ the Ward with Smiles

Emily knows everyone who works in the Cardio-Thoracic ward of Mount Sinai Hospital.  This is not an exaggeration.   Here is a sample of what it’s like to walk behind her on one of her daily treks:

“Winston, remind me again of the address of your Jamaican restaurant ‘cause I’m going to have Miles pick us up some chicken skewers like we had on our honeymoon.”

“Marissa, my parents bought cupcakes; be sure to get one from the break room before they’re all gone.”

“Hey, Tri, how many more days until your baby is due?”

“Mike, thanks again for getting us such a great room; we are loving it!”

The Room. After Miles spent a night on the hard tile floor (to be sure Emily’s pain meds were delivered on time), staff arranged for an extra bed. It reminded them of their college dorm days, except with a slightly better view.

Phone number to call in case of Emergency as shown on Emily’s white board: 1-800-NED-4LIFE.

More dancing in the halls of Mount Sinai – this is Emily doing the “IV Free” dance after her IV was removed.

Emily is released from the hospital on February 14th, and starts the celebration with a Valentine’s cupcake.

“We’re never going to see another one like her,” remarks Dr. Flores.
“Or her husband,” says cardiothoracic nurse, Tywana. “Together they’re sugar.”

Emily and Miles leave Mount Sinai with only great memories. The cold air takes her breath away, but Emily never stops smiling.

Miles arranges a private van to transport both families across the Hudson River to Jersey City, where Emily will recuperate for several weeks before her next procedure. As they pulled away from Mount Sinai and headed down 5th Avenue along Central Park, the first song on the radio sounded, “Lean on Me, when you’re not strong…” Emily asked the driver to turn up the volume as she clutched her Valentine’s hand. There was not a dry eye in the van.