As many of my fellow ZamFam members have already talked about, we had the opportunity to go on a safari in Botswana about a week ago. Although the animals were truly amazing, and I felt like I was living out my childhood dream of being David Attenborough, the thing that stuck with me the most out of everything we saw was a huge Baobab tree. The Baobab trees can live thousands of years. They are true witnesses to history, all the while continuing to grow. Bit by bit, they change, even if it is unnoticeable through the years, if you zoom out, the magnitude of that growth is breathtaking.
If you know me, you understand I am not the kind of person that likes to stay still. For as long as I can remember, I have been moving at breakneck speed. I have always been complemented for my drive, my willingness to throw myself into everything I do. That quality has already proved itself valuable this trip. However, now that we are in Zambezi, settling into a new way of life, our pace has slowed. We are all beginning to fall into a comfortable routine, teaching our classes and going to the hospital or school. As we all slow down, I find myself feeling impatient. When is this life-changing perspective shift going to take place? When do I start to grow into the better person that I want to become using what I have learned here? With these questions, doubts also begin to creep in. Am I doing this wrong? Am I not doing enough? What if I walk away from this trip as the same person that my mom dropped off at the airport all those days ago? I worry that the expectations I had for myself and for this trip might be falling flat. All those conversations we had in class this past spring about managing expectations were beginning to make a lot more sense….
Today, Meg, Graley, Lily, and I spent our first morning observing at Zambezi District Hospital. After our allotted 3 hours, I was grappling with a lot of feelings, but those doubts had quieted. Although I had difficulty coming to terms with the condition of the hospital and the access to necessary medication and supplies, I was blown away by the interactions I witnessed. The doctors, nurses, patients, and family members were more than just people seeking or giving care, they existed in a beautifully interconnected community with one another. All the patients in a ward are in the same room, with their beds lining the walls. At first, I had initially attributed this to merely a lack of space and resources, but after seeing the ante-natal patients sitting with each other, laughing, and sharing stories, I realized that this set up also meant that no patient had to experience their pain alone. Some time in the pediatric ward confirmed this community-oriented approach when a chorus of laughter from everyone in the room was not an uncommon event.
This interconnectedness was on par with what I have come to understand about Zambians. Witnessing this foreign way of medicine as a community affair was incredible, but even more so because all four of us were welcomed in with open arms. I finally began to understand the merit of slowing down. Even though it may have taken longer to see all of his patients, Dr. Mulongoti engaged everyone in the pediatric ward in our conversations, which seemed to provide a lot of comfort to the family members. He created a support system for these families, encouraging them to accompany one another in their separate journeys.
This experience seemed to operationalize the excerpt of David Brooks’ book How to Know a Person we reflected on as a group a few nights ago. A quote by David Whyte in the excerpt has continued to stick with me. He observed that the true gift of friendship is “the privilege of having been seen by someone and the equal privilege of being granted the sight of the essence of another, to have walked with them and to have believed in them, sometimes just to have accompanied them for however brief a span, on a journey impossible to accomplish alone.” I felt this gift when Prudence, a nurse from the maternity ward who’s determined to teach us Luvale, brought us to the ante-natal ward to practice our very bad pronunciation with the patients because she herself was not familiar enough with the language. I felt this gift when Meg started making funny faces at a pediatric patient to make him smile. I felt this gift waking up bright and early to go for a run as a part of the affectionately named “Slow Runners Club.” I continue to feel this gift as I walk alongside my ZamFam as we try to navigate the mistakes, triumphs, and complexities of our new home for the next three weeks.
I am beginning to understand that this gift of friendship and accompaniment is felt most strongly in the slower moments. I am not going to be able to flip a switch and find all the answers I am looking for, but I can savor these slow moments, moments of growth and change, however minute it might be. In thinking about the Baobab tree we saw at the start of this trip, if we were to visit it on the way back to the United States, it would look the same as it did when we saw I the first time. However, the small impressions made and growth done in those slow moments over its lifetime is what created the beautiful tree that stands today.
Emi Gerwing
Proud member of ZamFam ’26, Class of 2028
To my dad, Marcy, and Miles:
I love and miss you all. We had popcorn last night and I thought of our popcorn movie nights. The health group had a dance party before heading to the hospital and I missed our dance parties on the table. I can’t wait to tell you everything.
To my mama and Mark Mark:
I love you so much and miss you guys every day. Mama, I know you would absolutely love all of the shatenge fabric and I wish I could introduce you to the tailors we have met here. Mark, I really wish you could meet Dr. Mulongoti because I know you two would get along. Thank you both for being my cheerleaders, your comments mean the world to me, and I love starting every day with a few tears and reminders of home.
To Elli:
I hope your interview went well (I know it did because you are a rockstar). Sending love and good vibes and I am sooooooo excited to see you in July.
To my friends:
I hope you guys are ready for the devious debrief that will take place when I get back. I miss you guys. Keep being your lovely, awesome selves!
Messages:
From Katie G.:
Happy Birthday Berto! I hope you’re enjoying pepperoni and chocolate! Love you!
From Jeff to all readers: We are well aware of the firewall issues some of you seem to be having. This has never happened before, so we’re sorry it’s creating an obstacle for some of you. We’ve asked GU’s ITS to investigate it and explore potential workarounds. Thanks for your patience.
Loved this so much! So glad you guys are having a great time and savoring the big and small moments! The hospital was a place I did not get to go to ask I was either teaching or sick however the way you described your work and experience there makes me smile and puts me back in Zambezi. The quote around being seen, and windows in accompaniment & life journeys is so thoughtful and important for your time in Zambezi. Sending you guys love from ZamFam 25 and wishing you good health and no broken toilets!
Lot of love, Kathleen S
Ps. Hi Jeff, hope you miss my countless questions!
The quote from Brooks’ book is powerful. One of the biggest lessons I took away from Zambezi was how accompaniment can happen by simply sitting next to a person. There is an understated importance of being a listener for others, and understanding the difference between empathy and sympathy. Sitting with a person in a shared experience versus acknowledging their situation and having a willingness to sit with them. I am glad you and the group are beginning to understand that side of what accompaniment means. I think that this willingness to sit with others is hard to learn in practice, especially as we have grown up in a society that preaches speed over connection. I love that you got to see slowing down in practice in the most Zambezi-way through Dr. Mulongoti.
The piece of Prudence brought me back — not the same person, but there was another Prudence who took the English class last year. One of the hardest-working students we had! If she comes back, please tell her I said hi!
I hope you continue to dive deep into the tough conversations during reflection, even if it is late at night and eyes are drooping. A photo of the windowsill and couches has been my lock screen for the past year, and serves as my reminder to slow down and accompany. That space is sacred!!
Thanks for the firewall shoutout Jeff! I kept saying how proud I was that my grandma figured out these tech issues last year… I rescind that and give myself all the credit!!!!
Love,
Weenie
2:08pm in California, 11:08pm in Zambia (sleep well, chindeles!)
Emi. The vividness of your words describes the Baobab tree with out viewing the pictures sent. Thank you for the quote as well. It applies to so many things in life that connect people, places and things. You and the ZamFam group are truly examples of the verse. You and all those who have posted, are giving those here praying and supporting you the opportunity to walk the journey with you. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sarah and Todd Fisher Lilys parents
Lily. love and miss the smile we see in the pictures shared. Keep being you. Love you always and forever
PS this weekend watching the WS will not be the same without you, will keep you posted.
Hey, Morgie! Floyd has a girlfriend. Not sure if they got together before he left for Spain, but I thought that was tea. I’m back in SCV now and the Dutch Bros opened today, but I think I’ll go tomorrow. Went to Micah’s school this morning for career day and was reminded how fun elementary school was. Cynthia was there too, she wishes you luck.
Love you, will write tomorrow.
#whatcolorskirtamIgetting
Oh, I forgot. One of the speakers at career day asked the class what their favorite song is; a kid raised their hand and said “Billie Jean, Michael Jackson”.
The kids will be alright.
Hey Morgan! How’s it going out there? Miss you!
Emi-
What a wonderful post and thank you for sharing your reflections the meaning your are finding in your experiences. It is indeed a privilege to walk along side our friends and loved ones sharing our journey together.
PS Sean, after seeing you pictured in your hat. Do you think you packed the right hat after all? 🙂
Katie G: Berto is enjoying the bag of his favorite things for his birthday. Lol! He wanted me to tell you your car battery was dead as of last weekend, so he has charged it and has it on the trickle charger so it will be all ready for you when you get back. We had a nice bbq in the rain on Monday. Jazlyn entertained everyone and wanted to dance with grandma. I have video. It was very sweet. I love you so much and miss you every day. I’m hoping you are getting what you want/need out of this experience. Big hugs!!!
Meg I am literally crying at this pic of you it is so cute!! I hope you are loving your first few days at the clinic. Also I’ve been listening to Megan moroney all day and thinking of you. Sam, your Roland Garros updates are here: Townsend is out, Rybakina is out, and Paolini is out. I’m so sad. This tournament means nothing to me without Carlos. Whatever.
Hi Emi (and everyone) – Its wonderful to hear that you, and I assume everyone, are building relationships and “family” in Zambia. You will make a difference to many and they will have a tremendous influence on you and your future decisions and choices. I continue to be impressed by you all and appreciate you letting Samantha, and each other, lean on and learn from one another. You’ll always have this experience ( brutally long flights, jumping at Vic Falls, pre work dance parties, teaching/learning together, no water, all the ups and downs) in common with only ZamZags 26- that makes you a group that will always be connected. So lucky! I wish you all well on tomorrow’s adventures, teaching, learning and growing.
Samantha- We love you and are so proud…stay strong! You’ve got this! We are watching a bit of the French Open- Monfils lost, Coco beat Taylor T , Osaka impressed with her fashion on the court. I chatted with Grandpa today…I think he is jealous of your time in Zambia. Suncreeen, water, TP- always! lol
Shout outs-
Meg- baby catching update when you write your post please!
MP- thanks for being a great friend to Samantha
Taylor- any update on the lost bag? Maybe it will be in Lusaka on your way home?
Thanks ZamZags 26- for being your wonderful, thoughful selves!
Wonderful reflections today. I can certainly relate to feeling impatient for growth. I’m glad all of you get to experience a different way of being in the world. It might not change you ways the you would expect or is visible to others immediately, but it will forever alter your world view and likely your tolerance for the way other’s see the world. Thanks for sharing.
G, Still missing you! I can’t wait to hear about the hospital and your thoughts on the difference in what you are experiencing and what we are used to in Western medicine. All is well here and Billie is eating up a storm with all the new food. Holding you in the Light.
Pops
Emu,
I’m so glad to hear from you! I Love the lessons of slowing down and all things we can do in the hospital besides prescribe medicines, cut and sew. I think you are growing faster than the baobab tree! I hope you can remember a story or two when I pick you up!
Love you a million and keep slowing down and paying attention!
You are doing it right!!!
Love,
Mark-Mark
PS Hannah the computer ate my comment yesterday but I loved you words and comfort with things like: fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and discomfort. Mastering those words and doing life in spite of them is courage!
Emi: Thank you for sharing so many details of Team Hospital’s first day. This spring we spent a lot of time at a US hospital with Meg’s grandfather. It was incredibly isolating. It is beautiful that while acknowledging challenges you are also seeing positives.
Meg: I had not considered how you will experience the contrast between BaBa’s time at Little Company and the Zambezi hospital. Reflect on the “interconnectedness.” He was surely onto something. Love you more.
Sam: It is driving me a little crazy that I am not sure who fainted on the tarmac. If you had thrown in a story about a concussion I would have had a pretty good guess.
Emi,
Great job with your post. I really liked the part where you were relating the true gift of friendship back to your experiences. I especially liked the part “I continue to feel this gift as I walk alongside my ZamFam as we try to navigate the mistakes, triumphs, and complexities of our new home for the next three weeks.” That was a great way to sum up the experiences of your group in one succinct sentence. Well done!
Kathryn,
Emma, from down the street, comes by once or twice a week to walk the dogs. She is sooooo funny. The last time after she walked the dogs she brought them into the back yard and was hanging out with Charlie while her dog and Maggie were swimming in the pool. Charlie thought she was funny. She also said that she is looking forward to seeing you at PT when your back!
I hope that your having fun!
Really nice reflection. It’s a “live in the moment” realization. Maybe the “ah ha’s” come later.
Hi Emi-I’m an RN and your post really made me think about healthcare in the US as it compares to what you experienced in the hospital there. It hit me hard that it feels like Zambia health care ‘system’ does it better–way better. They may not have all the fancy equipment, hospitals, separate rooms etc but they have something so much better. Connection. Compassion. Engagement. Accompaniment. We live in a very independent culture and value our ‘separateness’ more than what connects us. We have physical and emotional walls that separate us from each other and it seems we have to fight hard for connection and meaning. Yet, in Zambia, it seems the opposite is true. Your comment of “this set up also meant that no patient had to experience their pain alone” reminds me of the movie “Patch Adams” and him interacting with all the kids in the cancer ward. They were all in there together, laughing at his silly red nose. We don’t do that here and maybe the cancer unit isn’t the place to start. We are so worried about privacy and HIPPA and all the rules and regulations that we have become more and more isolated and in some ways ‘sicker and sicker’. We may have “access to necessary medication and supplies” but I’m not sure it’s making us ‘well’. I won’t pretend to minimize the real medical needs that Zambia may face and yet I see the value in what they are doing well and would not say that our ‘system’ is one to emulate. You mentioned being worried about coming back from this trip as the ‘same person’. Impossible. I think this post already shows that you have changed and just think what the next 3 weeks will reveal and teach you?
And a note to Sean: It hit me today that I won’t actually talk to you for a full 4 1/2 weeks:-(. We miss you and love you tons and hope you are soaking in all the moments. And even though I said only the cat would sleep in your bed–I need to retract that. Caroline is now sleeping in your bed because Oreo is there and she wants to cuddle him.
sarah- firewall is not letting me write a long note. So, love you to the moon and back.
sarah-miss your face. GSDILY
Isa,
I hope your having fun and teaching has been going well. Not much is going on at home. I started reading that book Unbroken that you said you wanted to read and it’s really good so far. Miss you!
Emu the firewall is not letting me post!!! If this goes through I will try again.
Ems- reading this reminded me so much of G-pa and really made me wish you had had a chance to connect to him now that you are older. I think he lived his life in the spirit of accompaniment with others, although he wouldn’t have had that word for it. He would have really enjoyed and appreciated this post, your David Whyte quote, and your reflections. He would have loved this Zamfam group, the blog, and following all of you and your adventures- I can hear him saying “this is just so neato” in his Minnesota lilt. Love you bunches!
In Denver, Mark’s seedlings have sprouted and he is getting them into a mix of raised beds and pots. He’s used some kind of great organic compost and manure soil mixture, which Tiny Gracie thinks smells amazing and so of course she’s knocked a pot over, taken out all the dirt and (the plants), sniffed / dug / and rolled in it. Big hug
I cannot figure out what triggers the firewall…
Just checking to see if this goes through. I have been fighting with the Firewall.
This is so lovely! I love how you connected development back to the tree, and I also love how you mentioned that patients are never in pain alone. How beautiful it is to have slow moments, and your reflection is important for remembering that an “aha” moment doesn’t always happen instantly (and that is completely normal!).
GRALEY IN SCRUBS!!!! My eyes are blessed. Feeling maternal.
bruh firewall.
In case anyone was on the edge of their seat, the Avs lost and were swept.
MP, Eleanor gate kept that she went to the Storm v.s. Mystics game on Saturday and I was immediately jealous.
(MP) Also, my lattes at home have been SO GOOD (for real) and I think you would be proud of my consistency.
Excited for all of you!
Firewall is messing my order and my flow. MP I miss you as my conversation buddy as I make coffee!
Hi Emi! What a great post. I can only imagine how it must feel to be like..”okay, is this where I feel the massive changes in myself?!” It’s neat that you’re settling in and letting it unfold. Coming back…all these experiences will have likely changed things in one or another. My husband went on a medical mission to Kenya with his dad to assist his dad in surgeries, and he still talk about it all the time. I’m not so sure he felt it while he was there..that’d it’d still be something he brought up 25 years later..but the stories are still coming and I love hearing them! Sorry if this has spelling issues..I’m part of freak “firewall” so I can only type thus on my phone I loved hearing all about how they embrace community and connection! So cool!
Liv! Our house is pretty much done and it’s so different! I think you’re going to love it. The only thing missing is you…and an espresso machine! I can’t wait to hear about being with the children in the school! Today I worked on 8th grade speeches w the students. Some are really great and others are on the total struggle bus, but they’ll find their way! I hope you are well sweetheart!! We love you so much!! Really proud of you!
Not “freak”, it should say “team” “team firewall” (oh my gosh!)
I love the deep reflections in this post and I can tell that you cherish the experiences you had on your first day in the hospital very deeply. Did you guys catch any babies?
Sam, not much is up here. I’ve been subbing at Pioneer and not gonna lie it’s rough! Last week a kid told me “I would hate it there”. He was right! I had to write an incident report for two kids biting each other at the same time. Yippee! I hope you’re busy out there not getting bit. I love and miss you!!
Lily, I told Marguerite we should do a hike I found called “Poo Poo Point” and she said no. I feel betrayed. perhaps you can talk some sense into her when you get back. I miss you!!
Emi, your words about accompaniment being felt most strongly in the slow moments is so true. I feel like day after day in Zambia I was humbled by reminders to slow down and prioritize the person that was in front of me in that moment. Often, we had students stay after our computer classes and we would share music back and forth and trade stories about our families. However, it was also during this time that we were rushing to put the tables back together so we could eat lunch before afternoon classes. It took me awhile to find the balance between these. I eventually learned that no matter what, lunch would be eaten, and investing in relationships with our students was far more important to me. Keep finding ways to slow down!
MP: I went to Eugene today for a brain trust reunion and we did a hike you would have loved. I am off again tomorrow for a road trip around Oregon and will miss you so so much! Challenge 2 will be tackled upon my return.
Taylor: Strava has begun showing me our runs from 1 year ago in Zambezi together. I am totally not sad about it at all…
Love,
Caroline
ZamFam ’25
What an amazing post and a reminder of the power of presence, connectedness and the privilege of service.
Olivia as always so proud of you! I have said repeatedly to your mom how you are going to absolutely be so happy when you see your new room!
Love you be safe
Thanks Emi for centering the Baobab tree in your reflection. We have a massive wildly healthy Douglas Fir that shares life with us outside our front door. Graley has grown up with it her whole life. In times of stress I find it a helpful place to go to re-focus my perspective.
Thanks also for sharing about the way that community is part of healing at the hospital. This is a great observation – and something we overlook with our approach in the U.S. I love getting a glimpse of your group walking and learning there. Great pic of the group in your scrubs! Proud of you all and excited to keep hearing these stories day by day.
Graley, Grandpa Phil called today and kept raving about your blog post the other day which he said really gave him a sensory picture. And my promotion officially landed by the way. I remember you said I should tell you when it came through. I’ve been checking your emails and things are all fine. I miss you and love you lots.
Hi Emi! I loved reading your reflections and appreciated the reminder that growth and change has its own pace! It IS such a gift to be seen and also to be granted the sight of the essence of another. It is hard to be patient for these opportunities or to be in such a rush that you miss the chance to experience community in the pursuit of what is next. I really admire how you are embracing and savoring the slower moments!!
Taylor- I’m wearing all of your hand me downs and my second graders officially think I’m cool now. Your painted jeans blew their minds
Emi, I’m thankful I got to open the blog and savor these words today. It seems so fitting to have been able to slow down what has proven already to be a go-go-go summer by reading about you slowing down. Thank you for making us privy to at least a fraction of that constant experience in Zambezi. It is also so relatable to have the feelings of “not knowing if you’re getting enough” out of this trip — even so early in your time! What I hope you’ve been assured of is that there is no one way to do Zambezi “right.” Or, perhaps, there is no “right” way at all — it’s about all of the complexity and humanity. I still don’t think I’m actually done processing everything from a year ago, and I hope to never be done — that’s an ongoing experience that you can continue to learn from. Keep slowing down, giving yourself that opportunity to take it all in — despite doubts about not being able to take in or do enough.
Hannah — I missed commenting yesterday, but I really appreciate your reminders on the importance of choosing and leaning into uncertainty. The balance you highlighted between cycles being comforting yet anxiety inducing rang true, and being fearful without a cycle perhaps even more so. I admire how certain you feel in having decided to come to Zambezi; the moments of connection you speak of already feel so worth the potential awkwardness or uncertainty. And lastly, I’m hoping your time at Chileña is off to a great start — play a game of “Do What I Do” in the schoolyard for me, if you get a chance!
What a poignant post!
So proud of you Meg – miss you !!!
Life is a mix of fast and slow. If we try to go to fast through the slow, we miss things. If we don’t jump into the fast, we end up watching rather than participating. Thanks, Emi, for sharing your energy, excitement, frustration, and reflection.
Isa, today is the last day of convention. It’s been fun to have time with Luis and Mireya, Greg and Stacey, Jim and Dalene. I got to see lots of WIML friends and Papa was excited to be with his Indonesia trip people. One last session this morning and then we head home. Love you and hope teaching is going well.
Emi – I love what you said about the slow and steady growth of the Baobab tree. What a great analogy. I think so often many of us let our expectations of an experience get in the way of letting the experience unfold and shape us in it’s own unique and beautiful way. In my own life, I’ve missed being fully present when I spend too much time comparing what “is” with what I thought it would be. There is no doubt you will be changed by this trip, in ways that you may not even realize until long after you are home. All of these small moments will stay with you and become part of how you view and show up in the world and and it’s going to be beautiful. Also – I started reading How to Know a Person a few months ago and got busy and put it down. Thank you for the reminder that it’s time to pick it back up!
Hayden – Henry’s graduation dinner is tonight and we’ll miss you. He chose Didi’s in Frisco and we’ve never been, so it will be fun to try a new spot. Hudson drove Granny and Grandpa to visit with Nana and Papa yesterday afternoon and they said he was signing your praises on the way back, complimenting you around all of the ways you’ve chosen to dive in this year at Gonzaga. I guess he is paying attention! 🙂
In terms of the Firewall – we’ve found that if we remove the parenthesis from the name field, it allows us to post.
Hi Katie! Today I was hanging out with Julia and Sophia and they wanted me to tell you that they think you have the most beautiful voice and i was yes she does that’s my best friend.
Emi, thank you for your description of the trees, your climbing adventures and the hospital wards! It sounds so therapeutic to have laughter ringing through the halls, and to have patients accompanying each other on their journeys in the hospital. What a lovely way to facilitate healing.
Mary Pearl! Like others we have been having difficulty with the firewall blocking us from commenting. please know we’ve been trying! Hopefully today’s will work. Ellen and I cleaned the office some more, picking up on what you started before you left. Lots of recycling and shredding. You would be proud! Ellen made a pumpkin pie for Dad’s birthday. He was thrilled to open the card that you left! We love you and miss you! Have a happy day!! love you so much, Mom
Test reply
What a mind! What a path! Growth seldom feels how we think it should- but we learn to mine to value, to look deeper. Incredible 🙂
Emi, I relate to your post well! I too, am in constant motion- I talk fast, walk fast, even eat fast and Hannah can attest that patience isn’t my strongest quality. It’s funny, I am still working on doing better at this, at looking around more during my frequent hikes, for example, and truly experiencing the journey, as cliched as that sounds, not just focusing on my destination. Life is the same. We tend to focus on the bigger milestones- getting through finals, graduation, landing the job, getting into grad school, getting married, buying a house, etc etc – but there is so much growth happening within us moment to moment, just like your tree! The hard part, especially for us impatient ones, is not missing it because we’re looking too far ahead because we are so eager for what’s coming next. Thank you for this reminder and for your detailed descriptions.
Hannah, you’ve always had the enviable ability to move more slowly, to be a good listener, to be present with those around you. I learn so much from you in our differences and have always appreciated your many gifts. I am confident you are using all of those now. Btw, are you in the slow runners club or are you in the “sleep as late as I can club”? Miss you honey. Btw, I passed by some toddler Disney pajamas at Costco today- Belle, Cinderella- and I thought of you. What I wouldn’t give to go back in time just for a little while.
Love, mom
Hey Emi!
My name is Brynn and I’m a proud member of Zam Fam ’24. I LOVED your blog and found myself really needing and resonating with it this morning. That is still my favorite quote from all the readings we did and I’m consistently rereading it. Just this morning, I was having a slow start to my day, sipping coffee and talking with a friend about how much Zambia means to me, the concept of accompaniment and how it relates to my life now- I brought up that quote and got to read this blog right after (how awesome is that!!) It’s so important and the presence of accompaniment is a fundamental part of my “why” when working in healthcare.
Just know you have people from past years enjoying reading these vlogs and accompanying you from afar. Keep having so much fun and keep pushing yourself to seek out those slow, intentional moments- one place I found accompaniment were my mornings in Zambia… also so, so beautifully explained how you found the laughter and support in the wards.
“Connection” and hi Jeff!
-Brynn