Keep Calm and Carry On

It was the kind of morning to stay in bed, listen to the rain, and gaze out the window, my window. With the comforter pulled up under my chin, I thought about the past five months of hospitalization in three different facilities, and changes that occurred in each. In Addison Gilbert Hospital I was very ill and the stay was short. At Beverly Hospital I regained health, strength, and took my first “out–the-window” photo – heavy snow sticking to trees. Next was Den Mar Nursing and Rehabilitation, where I recovered muscle and mobility. The window picture there was of a dark storm cloud fleeting across an otherwise blue sky. Today, at home in Rockport, the view was lush green leaves and rain dripping down the window pane.

My motivation in taking these photos was to continue doing what I love to do, from a patient’s bed. Each image can be interpreted as sad or hopeful. Yesterday I received a get well card from Gloucester’s Ruth Pino, which waves a flag for us to follow: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Here in Pigeon Cove, I carry on.