When angels cry in the ER

God bless the doctors, nurses, medics and staff who work in the emergency department of the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. They need our prayers of support and gratitude every day. So do the first responders and EMS personnel who work on the ambulances, helicopters, fire trucks and police cars.

Today, I was moved to tears. While I was in the emergency room a small child was brought in who had been a victim of a terrible accident. I saw the entire ER staff do their best for several hours attempting to save his life. In spite of their heroic efforts the child left us and his little soul went to Heaven. The entire staff was devastated and grief stricken. There wasn’t a dry eye among them. If you think they get used to this, you’re wrong. I don’t know how these people can come back to work the next day after something like this. There is truly a special place in Heaven for them. If you ask them why they do it, they probably couldn’t tell you. It’s not for the money. There’s not enough money in the world to break your heart every day.

Minutes later another ambulance rolled in with a sick child in critical condition. With their eyes still red and swollen, the entire staff rushed to the child’s bedside. There’s no time to grieve today, maybe tomorrow. Where do they get people like that? God only knows. How do we deserve such a blessing?

It is true that there are Angels among us. I’ve seen them cry. God bless them all and God bless the family of the little one who left us today.

What you just read was a DAR “Letter to the Editor” from several years ago. Before social media, people had to write to the newspapers to share their thoughts and opinions. This letter was so powerful we decided to display it in the “Medical Room” of the Poplar Bluff Museum. It still speaks to us today and moves us to tears as the day it was written. Please come by and share the experience of our dedicated healers. The Museum is open every Sunday free of charge from 1pm to 4pm at 1010 Main Street, Poplar Bluff (Formerly the Old Mark Twain School). Tell them Mike sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.