Sep 27, 2021 | Grace
Last year the world as I knew it began to change. My strongest memory of the early days of the pandemic was the announcement that schools would not be returning after March Break. I remember feeling confused as to why they were making such a drastic decision based on “some flu.” I obviously was completely ignorant to the severity of what was beginning to unfold around me. On March 23, 2020, my work life officially changed. We had one week to pack up and empty our entire department, the Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency, now being referred to as 1 North , cancel client appointments, ensure all necessary paperwork and phone calls were completed, condense and discharge our residential program and go for training for redeployment. It was, to say the least, a very busy week. In the training, you could see a mixture of anxiety, excitement, and confusion on all the faces involved. Initially, there was a lot of “winging it” and mixed messages, but we all just went with it because that was what was needed.Our department officially closed and our team (my work family, really) was dispersed throughout the organization. I was initially moved to 3 South as a Patient Care Team member. This role was so far outside my wheelhouse… I think I just worked on an element of autopilot. I remember thinking that these are medical patients; what could I possible do that would be helpful? Truth be told, initially I felt completely useless, despite the incredibly kind words and warmth that was provided from the staff there. To be completely honest, at first it was incredibly difficult for me; I’m not a person who likes to stand by and just “watch” and I felt like what I was doing wasn’t enough, but what could I do? Don’t get me wrong, I was (and still am) so incredibly grateful that we were able to keep working during this time, but feeling useless during such an important time was a struggle. I eventually found my groove, but I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the support of the staff of 3S. They truly were (are) just awesome. I was also so incredibly fortunate to be paired with one of my co-workers, Christine Kerester, who was my pillar of support throughout. I remember working a late shift there and finding out that two dear friends of the family had contracted COVID-19 and quickly passed from it and Chris was so supportive; I was (and still am) so glad that she was there.Having the opportunity to spend some time on Palliative and speak with patients and families was a complete honour. As a Social Worker, the entirety of my career has been working with people who struggle with addictions, but I’ve always felt a pull towards working in the area of palliative and hospice and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. While it was not in a social work capacity, I was still able to connect with patients and families and be a very small part of their journey. I am forever humbled and thankful for that opportunity. I was later moved to the Family Support Team (FST), working on both 1 South and 1 North. Part of my role included connecting patients with their families through courtyard visits and virtual calls. This was such an important role because being separated from a sick loved one is so stressful and to be able to help alleviate even a small part of that stress by helping create some kind of connection was so awesome. Watching people tear up, as they connected with family and friends, from pure joy, blowing kisses and virtually hugging one another was a beautiful, emotional experience. Once the weather turned nice, we were able to bring people outside for fresh air in the courtyard, which was beyond appreciated by the patients. It was also a fantastic way for them to socialize with other people (in a safe, distance manner of course!) One memory that particularly sticks out for me is when a small group of women from different floors in Emara began talking outside and realized that they were from similar areas in Italy. Different FSTs started coordinating outdoor time so these women could meet, talk, and sing these beautiful songs in Italian together. Seeing the human connection that was happening moved some of them (and staff) to tears at time. It was seeing happiness, joy, connection and laughter in action in a time of sadness, worry and separation. Connecting with the patients and family was a life-changing experience and humbling beyond words.I would be amiss if I didn’t speak about the personal ways in which I had been affected during this time. As mentioned, I am so thankful that I was able to remain employed during this time. My husband, Kyle, was able to work from home and be there to ensure our son was taken care of while attending school online. Kyle is and will always be my rock and he was there for me on so many levels during this pandemic…Thank God for him! He endured my happy days, sad days and every one in between. My son struggled at times, being an only child and being stuck with only his parents to hang out with (so not cool), but we had some great times together! Bike rides, playing games, painting rocks, doing chalk on the driveway, doing virtual visits with family and friends, and (best of all) welcoming a new dog into the mix! I also was fortunate to take part in a drive by caravan with over 200 cars to celebrate and honor the work that was being done at the local long term care homes during this pandemic. It was an emotional experience, but an incredibly positive one. On a work level, I am grateful for all of the awesome people I worked with. I got to meet and get to know so many people. On the FST, I had the chance to connect with so many new people, which I never would have had the opportunity to do otherwise. Our FST turned into a mini family, looking out for one another, helping one another (this happened so often) and just being there. It was amazing. Some of us have talked and hope to have a get together once it is safe to do so to catch up, share some good memories and celebrate the time we had together. I am so looking forward to this!All in all, this was one hell of an experience! I learned a bit more about myself and I learned just how hard the staff throughout HDGH work. I have a renewed appreciation of the importance of being part of a team and am grateful to be part of this team here. I also have much respect for the families and the patients who have (and continue to) put their trust in us during these trying times. There were so many unknowns and there will continue to be unknowns, but the thing I do know is this - if we continue to do this together, then we’ll get through this and whatever else life has to throw at us.