During four decades of living in western Kansas, our family, like most in the region, has spent time as a visitor or patient in local hospitals. Although these stays begin as necessities, such visits lead to reunions with acquaintances and former students who are now medical professionals.

Recently, Mom was a patient for 11 days in a rural hospital. That stay followed by weeks of outpatient therapy helped her rebuild strength. During that time, I ran into at least 10 former students or parents of students who work at this facility. Though it would be nice to catch up in a less stressful situation, it was wonderful to learn about their post graduate training and hear about marriages and children as well.

After watching these meetings between former pupils, their parents, and me, my brother who lives and doctors near a large Texas city remarked that if he needs to be hospitalized, he wants to come to our hospital. He mentioned how lucky we were to have people who know us caring for our mother.

Part of our story involved a 911 call and an ambulance. To my surprise, Mom’s primary care provider showed up with the ambulance crew who arrived swiftly, assessed the situation, and applied necessary monitors. Mom who was distressed to be not only ill but in need of EMT assistance was relieved to see that familiar face and hear his calming assurances. I second her feelings.

Once in the emergency room, nurses, physician assistants, and doctors coordinated efforts with lab and x-ray techs to identify specific patient needs. Sometimes this means staff members are on call at night or over weekends. In a scary situation, it’s a blessing to have someone you know looking after your loved one. Seeing a long-time friend’s wife, who’s also a mother of former students, smile as she collected Mom’s lab samples calmed my anxious spirit.

These little reunions occurred time after time during this hospitalization. Often times, teachers get only a glimpse of a student’s potential. How gratifying to watch people who once sat in your classroom serving as health care professionals inserting or removing IV lines, delivering breathing treatments, monitoring vitals and medications, and guiding physical therapy sessions.

Many of mom’s friends and acquaintances also work at the hospital. They made it a point to drop by regularly to encourage her progress. When it came time to check out, these staff members helped us navigate paper work and follow up services. Their expertise helped us figure out the best home health options. Everyone made it clear we could call with concerns. From doctors to support personnel, every hospital or clinic employee focused on serving patients and their families. When we returned for outpatient services, staff greeted us and asked how we were doing. It’s easy to see why my brother was so impressed.

Health scares are just that—frightening. Because we live in rural Kansas, familiar caretakers soothe some of that concern. My brother is right—such care is priceless.

Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.