THE PROMISE PEOPLE

JNUARY 23, 2022 – My two greatest fortunes are: 1. High-achieving women; and 2. High-achieving men who recognize and respect the high-achieving women. At home I learned this among my grandparents, parents, and sisters; beyond, I learned it by interactive observation.

Now to the angels of my current circumstances: Chelsey, Kaitlin, Annie, Cecilia, Khia, Joy, Janiwan, Kari, Angela, Julie, Jennifer, Susie, Nicole, Judy, Cheryl. This pattern corresponds one-to-one with another: a love for science. And yet another: the men I’ve encountered—led by my medical captain—who at every turn demonstrate deep trust and respect for these women of science. It’s no coincidence that for years, the CEO of my care organization was a woman.

Equally critical: these women of science are people of compassion and selfless dedication. Upon learning about their families, outside interests, their own set of hardships carried stoically and with aplomb, I see a world much brighter than the one more heavily publicized.

For example . . . last Wednesday’s ultrasound administered by Angie. When I inquired, she revealed she’d been at her job for 27 years. With irresistible delight she said, “And I love my job!”

“Tell me more,” I said.

“It’s a perfect combination,” she said. “I love people as much as I love physics—and I love physics. Physics explains everything in the universe.”  She then told me how everyone in her family works in some field of science, technology, or engineering, and how her sons pursued science based on her own passion for it.

Then consider Judy, a 30-year veteran-RN, who administered yesterday’s “long-shot.” With 100% Norwegian farming origins, everyone in her family, starting with her father, had become an engineer or scientist; a younger son is studying to become an aerospace engineer. Judy has a mind for math and science—but her curiosity about the broader world leads to reading European history. Oh, and to confirm, not surprise, Judy is by nature, a “people person.”

As Judy escorted me down the hallway, Kaitlin—a sharp-as-a-tack-PA—appeared out of a stairwell. She greeted me by name and assured me of further communication once the doctor reviewed the latest lab report.

I think of Dad. A generous soul, he couldn’t tolerate waste. With childlike wonder I’d watch him lick his plate clean of pancake syrup and clear the cabin firewood box of the very last twig. Most important, however, I remember the accolades he’d share at the supper table regarding the high- quality-work, dedication, and judgment of the women in his office.  And of course, there was Dad’s respect for Mother’s math-mind and his relentless support of my sisters’ endeavors. He never, ever would’ve allowed such valuable human resources to be diluted, dismissed, belittled, squandered.

And he’d know in an instant that in the hands of “my” women of science and compassion, I’m receiving the best care that people of the world can provide and receive.

Women of science, women of compassion. If we follow their lead, our world has unlimited promise.

In the meantime, whatever these Promise People are paid, it’s not enough.

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© 2022 by Eric Nilsson