During my stay in the hospital I've met many people but there is one person who really stands out; a housekeeper named Luz Savala.
In my situation, the cleanliness of my environment is paramount because my new immune system is not yet functioning. The proactive medications I am given, my personal habits, and the cleanliness of my environment are my "armor" so to speak. I rely on housekeeping to do a good job and ensure that this part of my protection is solid. It is not without interest that I watch the housekeepers who clean my room.
On most days I have the privilege having Luz do my housekeeping. From the first day I met her I liked her. She knocks, enters with a smile, greets me kindly, and then begins her careful work. As she works, we often have an opportunity to talk. In order for me to fully understand her, I have to listen very closely -- Luz is originally from Mexico and she speaks in broken English.
During our conversations I have learned several things about Luz. First, she is a mother of six and has one child, a daughter, who was stricken with Leukemia (my disease is very similar). Luz is fully aware of the importance of a clean environment for patients like me. In fact, she told me that she would clean her daughter's room very carefully every single day as her daughter battled the disease (her daughter is a survivor!). Luz also shared with me that she works 6 and even 7 days a week in order support her family and assist in the payments of her daughter's medicals bills.
When I encounter a woman like Luz I am inspired. She does not complain -- she works. She does not give up or give in because her love is too great and her character too strong. Today Luz shared with me that years ago she became a US citizen. In my estimation, she is precisely the sort of citizen we need.
Happy Thanksgiving Luz! I am thankful for you!
Side Note: My blog now has 4 followers! Thanks Becca, Susie, Shiela, and Coffee Chick!
6 comments:
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a great lady. I'm sure she looks forward to chatting with you each day. Great to see you blogging again. Love you brother.
Luz sounds amazing! I love "salt-of-the-earth" people like that. Precious.
I, too, am a follower of your blog. I bet many others are as well.
Maryann
Thanks for sharing this Michael, I could just see in my minds eye, Luz coming into your room and blessing you with her hard and so very important work. I love simple (but oh, so important) stories like this! God bless you, Luz, and everyone involved in this massive effort to get you back to great again!
Shawn - Luz is worth writing about. Love you to brother.
Becca - she's a humble, hard-working, kind person. The type that goes unnoticed by most people I think.
Maryann - I am so glad you are a follower! It makes me happy that a teacher from years past is reading something I am writing. It feels like success! :)
Patrick - I like simple things like this too. Thank you for your continued willingness to help (saw your comment on caringbridge. If something comes up I'd love to be able to call on you for assistance. You are a very decent man Patrick!
Haven't heard from you for a while now. I hope you are doing fine. Have some rests. Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Sam Wong.
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