One Israeli Civilian Died

While watching news about the Israel's massacre of Palestinians in Gaza, I turned to CTV news net. The headline "One Israeli Civilian Died" was not a surprise rather a reminder about the "subhumanization" of Palestinian lives by the governments and media. The death of two hundred Palestinians by Israeli bombs on the same day was not deemed sufficient by CTV to even make a headline. To add insult to the injury, the newscaster interviewed an "expert" from Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies who of course supported Israel by saying that Israel do not really want to do what it is doing, it is being forced by Hamas; therefore Israel is innocent. A "well balanced" news coverage indeed. Shame on CTV newsnet for being biased against the oppressed, I protest against this by boycotting the CTV.

It is important to note one innocent death is one too many; however, innocents deaths on both sides should be treated equally, unlike CTV's unbalanced, unfair, and inhumane coverage.

The Love Story

Mr. F came for rehabilitation after his third right hip surgery in past ten years. A pleasant gentleman in his late 80's with a face that would remind anyone of their grandfather. I was given the task to collect admission information from him. After some usual "chit chat" to break the ice, I started the assessment by asking if he had any allergies, he denied any. The next question was about "Advanced directives", defining advanced directives would requires a whole new post; however, in a nut shell individuals are asked to identify their health care preferences in case their heart stops. I asked him "what would you like us to do in case of an emergency", would you like us to use all possible resources to keep you alive? He said "no, just let me go". Not an unusual answer, until I asked him the golden question "why" as taught by Prof. Magill. "You see my wife is 80 years old and she has started to lose some of her strength. I know I will never completely recover and that is because of my age. If I go back home and any accident happen she would have to go through a traumatic experience. I cannot cause pain to her, I love her." He would rather die than cause any pain to his wife.

I pushed the admission computer aside and asked him how he met his wife. "I met Jean through my friend's girlfriend. Jean was a friend of hers and she asked Jean if she would like to go out with me, which Jean accepted. She was my blind date", he answered. They have been married from last 48 years and their love seem to grow stronger with each passing moment. At that time, I made the mistake of looking at the watch and lost my attention. I completed the assessment and shortly after shift ended. I learned bits of information about his personal life through assessment. He lived about three hours from Toronto and wanted to go back to be admitted to the small hospital in his town, despite the strong opposition of his current health professionals. He terribly missed his wife and wanted to be as close to her as possible. Why could not his wife visit, I thought, I got the answer to this question very next day when I recieved telephone call from Jean.

Good evening, this is Irfan, how may I help you?, a standard line when ever I take the phone calls at work. "Hello, my name is Jean, am I speaking to Mr. F's nurse?, you certainly are, I replied. Oh Ifram, how is Danny? (I have been called anything but "Irfan" when I introduce myself to almost anyone from a different culture for the first time. I do not mind, if I work with them for a couple of days they know my name by heart and even if they do not, what difference does that make? I know they see me as someone who cares for them and that is what matters.) Hey Jean, Mr. F is doing okay, he just had his evening medications. "Ifram my nieces and nephew were there to visit him today and they told me that Danny is not doing very well". Jean he had physiotherapy today and is resting now but you know the overall picture and his decision about advance directives; I think in addition to the medical and nursing care, he requires social and emotional support. My collegues and I are doing our best but he terribly misses you and it would be great if you can visit. "Yes, Danny told me about his decision but I need him to come back. I miss him and I would love to visit but I cannot; I do not have anyone to drive me to Toronto, I can drive a tractor in our farm but due to cataract I cannot drive on the road." I listened. Jean asked me to remind Mr F's that "Jeani loves you, she want you to get better. She want you to feed the birds and clean after the cat. She want you to help her with dishes and change the locks on the back door. She misses your goodnight kisses and wants you back."

During the next two weeks, I delivered messages between Mr and Mrs. F. They will speak to each other over the phone and than share everything with me. Mr. F's persistence melted Jeans resolve and she contacted the hospital in her town and requested them to accept Mr. F as an in-patient so she could visit him. On the other hand, through his resolve and hard work Mr. F became stable enough to walk few steps with a walker. Hospital explained Jean that in case of an emergency they would not be able to do anything for Mr. F; however, they did offered a bed. HURREY. It's midnight and my shift is over, Mr. F is waiting for air ambulance to go to the other hospital while Jean is waiting at home with her neighbors so they can drive to the hospital once he is there.

After watching how much this couple loved and respected each other, I want a partner, I really do.