We Were Meant to Meet

Content note:
This story includes discussion of pre-surgical anxiety and a family member’s distress before an operation.

I was grabbing a coffee when I noticed a woman staring at me with a worried expression. I could tell she wanted to say something. She finally approached and asked if I worked in the OR—pretty obvious, given I was wearing a scrub cap. I said yes and asked if she needed help.

She immediately became tearful. She explained that she had flown in from the U.S. to be with her daughter for surgery, but moments earlier her daughter had been abruptly taken in by a nurse and she was prevented from staying with her. The situation confused and distressed her, especially given how differently things are often handled in the U.S. She then shared that she herself was an OR nurse of 30 years.

Instantly, I felt a deep connection.

I smiled and said, “Well, guess what—you just ran into someone who can fix this.” I told her I would get her to her daughter’s bedside and follow up with staff to ensure a family member was allowed to stay with the patient until it was time to go to the OR.

As we walked together to her daughter’s bedside, I watched the anxiety drain from both of them. It was incredible to witness. My heart filled, imagining myself in that mother’s shoes.

Later, I made sure to call Mom as soon as her daughter was out of surgery. I gave her an estimated time for when she could see her and reassured her that her daughter was already awake—and joking with me.

I’ve come to believe that things happen for a reason. That people are placed in our path exactly when they’re needed. What drew my eyes to that woman in distress? What made me approach a stranger and ask if she needed help?

I didn’t question it. I trusted my gut—and it paid off.