Hospital Personalities

I visited my brother in the hospital last night. B"H, he's doing very well. He replaced his knee for a better younger model.

He must have been in a lot of pain, but he didn't complain.

Every time a nurse came in (and despite what you hear usually, they came the moment he called), he smiled and thanked her and made a little joke. Every time someone called, he sort of pulled himself together to sound enthusiastic and positive. And he ended every conversation by blessing the person on the other end of the phone.

A nurse once told me that you uncover the real person when s/he's in the hospital. Although most people are in pain, uncomfortable, frightened, lonely, their real personalities come out in that hospital bed.

A person can be in pain, but if he's a crank, he'll complain all the time. Nothing will be good or good enough. If he's a kind person, despite the discomfort, he'll try to find a smile and a good word for all.

I was proud that my brother showed his natural goodness, even through the pain.

Refua shelaima, a speedy recovery to my brother Avraham Menashe ben Bracha Riva, and to all our brethren who need a refua.