In life’s critical moments, when facing uncertainty and accompanying loved ones through painful moments, our minds create stories of hope and meaning. True freedom from suffering isn’t the absence of pain, but moving through it gracefully, supported by compassion.
Here was the theme of my meditation this afternoon:
Though I cannot be physically present, my heart is here with you.
To My Father, Chi Pham-Dinh: Though you’re under anesthesia now, I reach out to you with my mind, soul, and heart. May all of my love flow to you for healing, energy, and support during your surgery. In spirit, I hold your hand – we’re in this together. I love you, and we will face this challenge together.
To Dr. Lam, Heart Surgeon: Though we’ve never met, I know who you are – a skilled surgeon who saves lives. As you operate on my father, I share with you all my love for him. May this love inspire you, bring out your best, and guide your hands as you perform this surgery. I am deeply grateful for your expertise and dedication.
To the Surgical Team: To the anesthesiologist, surgical assistants, nurses, respiratory therapist, residents, and all others present – your combined expertise works in harmony to save lives. Today, you join Dr. Lam in caring for my father. I share with you my deep love for him. May this love inspire your work and guide your actions throughout the procedure.
To the Intensive Care Team: To the nurses, patient care assistants, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and all who will watch over him – you are the guardians of recovery, touching not just patients’ lives but their families’ hearts. As you prepare to care for my father, I share with you my love and trust. May your expertise and compassion light his path to healing.
From my family to yours, our profound gratitude flows to each of you as you care for our father during and after his aortic valve replacement. Your dedication to healing touches not just one life, but ripples through families and communities. Thank you for this sacred work.
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2024-11-19 The surgery was a success, and Chi’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Less than 24 hours after surgery, he was smiling, comfortable, walking, and even asking about going home – exceeding all our hopes and expectations. We have truly been blessed.
As I planned my hospital visit, I found myself reflecting on how to honor and uplift those who care for my father. The answer emerged with beautiful simplicity: I simply need to bring the best of myself.
This led me to ask: how could I meaningfully connect with and thank the people who worked to save my father’s life? The answer came in the form of a gratitude altar – a small sacred space of appreciation.
The concept is simple yet meaningful: at my father’s bedside, I’ll create a space where caregivers can pause for a moment, eat a chocolate, and read the words of gratitude I’ve written – printed and displayed for all to see. A small gesture to sweeten their day and share our family’s deep appreciation for their life-saving work.
Martin Pham Dinh 