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November 03, 2004
Today...
I don't know what the answer is to all the numbness and grief I encountered today. Everyone I spoke with seemed to be in a state of shock and disbelief. Some time needs to pass now so that we can regain some clarity and find our direction again. There will be a lot of work to be done in the next four years.
I want to share something that happened to me today though. Like most of you I got very little sleep last night. I had a two hour "monthly managers meeting" at Virginia Mason first thing this morning. As you might imagine, in my depressed, sleep-deprived, and alienated frame of mind it all meant less than zero.
When I arrived back at my office mid-morning there was an envelope taped to my door with my name on it. Inside was a card from a nurse I've worked with for five years who is transferring to another department next week. In part it read:
"Dear Ed,
How wonderful you're doing the Kids First Ride! A donation is enclosed and with it comes my sincere appreciation for making a positive difference in the world...." Bev
Inside the card was a check for Kids First for $250. I can't tell you how moved I was by this act of sincerity and generosity in a day so full of pain and sadness. Thank you Bev for reminding me today that hope and kindness have a part to play in all of this.
Posted by ed at November 3, 2004 07:21 PM