guest post by Anita White.
This narrative of my recent trip to Urgent Care and the Emergency Room is like many of the graphic medicine chronicles I have drawn over the years. This story documents moment-to-moment procedures that happened as well as my philosophical musings about being a patient. I place this story within the larger narrative of the current War in the Ukraine. My passing challenge of being in ER led me to feel a lot of gratitude and humility for how well I was cared for, knowing that people half a world away were suffering so acutely.
I have been a Documentary Drawer for years chronicling events as they happen. Drawing helps me stay in the moment and cope with challenging situations. I try to let “Life Tell the Story” As things evolve and get more complex my mantra “Nothing is So Scary You Can’t Draw It!!’ helps me navigate those moments.
My spiritual toolbox contains the Faith, Hope, Humor and Trust I need in order to “Draw my way through” many rigorous events such as caregiving, death and grief. I am indebted to my late husband Josh for learning how to draw with compassion and empathy through his long complex medical journey until his death. In drawing through grief I found unexpected gifts of humor and whimsy despite my great loss.
Here are my drawings and philosophical musings about my recent trip to Urgent Care and ER. set within the larger historical backdrop of these times. My gratitude lingers with those who came to my side and for the mystery of the Divine Hand that is always there.
Ed note: We featured Anita’s earlier documentary graphic medicine work in this Spotlight post. Thank you, Anita for allowing us to publish this piece to our site.
This is a powerful and beautiful contribution to the world of health care and the role that art must play in it
Thanks so much Rabbi Allen
I am so moved by this personal odyssey. Thanks Anita
I loved “The Divine Hand Was Always There.” That had to be so comforting during your ordeal.
Thanks Nancy.
It was so comforting
Anita
Thank you for sharing this exquisite, artistic and deep soul searching journey when confronted with your medical issue. I love how you think not only of yourself, but also of loved ones, the medical workers helping you and the people in Ukraine. You raise us all up with your wonderful questions. You pierce the heart.
So moved by your comments Bonnie
Thanks so much
Wow, Anita – this is so beautiful, so clear and poignant. it’s a privilege to witness your art and the process you document. My heart is tender – I feel as though i was there with you.
Thanks Pam
I’ve documented for a long long time.. good to have it seen.. part of me is always reliving and remembering Josh’s last month 3 years ago.. and that is all documented too
Thanks Pam
I love so beautiful , amusing and yet also moving.
Thanks so much for taking the time to look at my drawings! And thanks for your appointment help!
Dear Anita, You have (once again) illustrated a very powerful narrative — of both your physical suffering (that which brought you to the hospital) coupled with your own musings and interactions with the caring hospital staff. And then, compared and contrasted your own safe, secure, prompt healthcare to that of our unfortunate fellow human beings — Ukrainians — who are being attacked. I want to thank you — for your hope, faith, humor AND trust — in sharing your thoughts and artistic talents with us! You are truly a gem, Anita! God bless you!
Thanks so much dearest Brian and Debbie
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! The “What kind of patient can I be” spinner is so powerful. We can always choose, and choosing to be kind and compassionate with others often gives us grace we need for ourselves.
This is beautiful. Thank you.
These are truly wonderful…and so YOU! Even in the most fraught moments, your whimsy carries the day! Thank you so much for sharing….