Exactly 5 1/2 years ago, I was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center after my car accident. I was in a coma for six weeks and dealt with life-threatening injuries that would not subdue during those six weeks, and a couple more to follow. The staff at Trauma ICU saved my life. I coded three times while I was under, and when I woke up, they always made me feel like I mattered. I wasn't just another body occupying bed space. They called me by my first name, explained everything they did to me - step by step. The work they do is often unrecognized and yesterday morning the police department I worked for honored them with an award for saving the lives of so many Police Officers who have gone through the Trauma Unit, and also for the relentless work they do on the ones that end up transitioning.
It was emotional to hear the words of MDPD Director James Loftus as he thanked the staff and presented them with the plaque. Sitting in the media room, in my wheelchair, surrounded by all the brass from the department and some very close friends, I felt an enormous sense of gratitude for my life. For everything I went through, what I have overcome and what it has taught me. Most importantly, I felt grateful for the relationships that remain in my life as proof of this full circle moment. The people who have stuck by me, through thick and thin, are the reason I have gathered the strength to keep going forward and fight whatever battle awaited me. It has finally come to a point where the battles have become less and less, and I'm going with the flow of life. As the presentation ended and we went outside for pictures and interviews from local media, I looked around and felt grateful for having been part of the police family too. There were two major ghosts that haunted me before. One, going back to the Trauma center of the hospital; and, two, facing the department as a whole and dealing with the feelings that the reunion might cause inside of me. I must say it was nothing like I expected. I felt happy, proud, tranquil and accomplished. It felt natural to be there yesterday as I was. MDPD will always have a special place in my heart. Although, I am retired from the department, I still feel part of a big, strong family.
The medical staff at Jackson on the left and all the police officers who have been treated at JMH Trauma on the right.
With Assistant Director Naim Erched, a great person and a friend as well.
With MDPD Director Jim Loftus.
With my brother from another mother, Det. Greg Louis, Lt. Hellman, my sister from another mister, Det. Kristy Kitts, Det. Will (don't know his last name - sorry, Will), and Det. Michael Scott (who never worked at Dundler Mifflin.)
My (real) brother came with me, but he is a bit camera shy and conveniently disappeared when the camera(s) would come around. Below, however is a shot of him next to me and A.D. Erched in the hospital's media room while we waited for the presentation to start.
Thank you JMH Trauma Staff for saving my life and the lives of countless other officers and citizens of our community. God bless you all.
Click on the link below to see bits and pieces of the presentation from yesterday.
CBS LOCAL NEWS - MDPD HONORS RYDER TRAUMA MEDICAL STAFF
3 comments:
I also should have thanked them that day because if they werent so good and dedicaded at what they do, i wouldnt have you here with me today.
Love ya always,
Kristy
Camile,
You have become such an accomplished writer. Tremendous, you are with us always, thanks for sharing,
God Bless you,
Bill
Thank you, Bill! <3
And, thank you, my friend from the heart, always, for ever!! Love you!
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