In late October, my partner, Sarah, faced a severe bout of pneumonia that spiraled into septic shock. For those unacquainted with septic shock, it occurs when a serious infection triggers organ failure. I was completely unaware of this until I experienced the terrifying ordeal with Sarah.
In her case, it was her liver that began to fail. She spent three weeks in the hospital, including three days in the intensive care unit (ICU). After undergoing numerous scans and a blood transfusion, I had moments where I feared I might become a widower.
The ICU Experience
The first three days in the ICU were the most frightening. Everything was precarious, and on the second day, I sat beside her as she struggled to stay awake in her hospital bed, with IV drips in both arms and various monitors around her. We discussed her condition, and she casually mentioned, “I logged into my class’s Zoom meeting this morning to reassure the kids.”
I was taken aback. Sarah worked full-time as a teaching assistant for a fifth-grade class at a local charter school, in addition to teaching gardening classes. I couldn’t believe she thought to check in on her students while fighting for her life. I stared at her in disbelief before saying, “You are in the ICU, and you still went online to work? Are you serious?”
Her spirit lifted slightly after my reaction. Both of us work in education; I manage tutoring programs at a university. I’ll admit, if I were in her situation, the last thing on my mind would be to log onto a Zoom call to reassure my students. But Sarah is cut from a different cloth. When I asked why she felt the need to connect with her students, her response struck a chord.
“Right now, these kids have enough on their minds. They shouldn’t have to worry about one of their teachers. I just wanted to let them know I was okay.”
A Testament to Educators
This, my friends, is a testament to the selflessness of educators. Sarah had every reason to focus on her own recovery, especially considering how close she was to a critical situation. Looking back, if we had delayed bringing her to the hospital, the outcome could have been dire. Yet, despite her condition, her thoughts were with her students.
In today’s climate, many are frustrated with schools not being open. I understand; I’ve been balancing work from home with three kids since March, and it’s been chaotic. However, witnessing Sarah comfort her students from her hospital bed—when she was the one truly in need of support—highlights the tremendous dedication teachers possess. They deserve all the recognition and compassion for their unwavering commitment.
Educators like Sarah love your children in ways that are profound and immeasurable. If you’re looking for a shining example of that love, just think of my partner, comforting her students via Zoom while in the ICU.
Recovery and Return
I am relieved to share that Sarah has made a complete recovery. She is back home and working online. On her first day back, I was upstairs, and she was downstairs laughing and chatting with her students. The sound of her laughter, the joy of returning to her passion, filled me with peace. It felt like we were finally getting back to normal, and it was one of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard, knowing it came straight from her heart.
Resources
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Summary:
This post recounts the harrowing experience of Sarah, who battled septic shock while in the ICU and still prioritized the emotional needs of her students. Her selflessness exemplifies the extraordinary dedication of educators. Thankfully, Sarah has fully recovered and returned to her teaching role, bringing laughter and joy back into her life.