For me, those people are the healthcare workers at GV Health.
Freshly post-partum, I contracted a serious infection that resulted in two lengthy hospital stays.
During those periods, I was separated from my newborn daughter.
I knew it was necessary — there was nothing worse than the possibility of her becoming sick too — but that didn’t make it any easier.
Being isolated in a hospital room, with my whole body and mind yearning for my baby, was one of the darkest experiences of my life.
The people who helped me through it were the nurses and doctors of GV Health.
Their kindness. Their care. Their humanity.
I have never felt so low, and yet they made me feel seen, heard and cared for.
To Cheryle, whose kindness helped me through my first hospitalisation.
To Hayley, whose care got me through my first night in ED.
To Mary, who distracted me from my pain by sharing stories of her Camino journey.
To Maddie and April, who saw me cry, stroked my knee, and talked to me through panic attacks, patiently distracting me until they passed.
And to all the others whose names I have unfortunately forgotten: I want you to know that at one of the lowest points of my life, you helped me get through.
You reminded me that even in the hardest moments, there is extraordinary kindness and beauty in humanity.
Thank you.
Clémence Carayol-Hayes
Euroa
