Did you see me this morning?

Dear Doctor

Did you see me this morning, when you were walking with two colleagues back into the hospital? I know you suddenly stopped and your eyes skimmed over me. You saw my cleaning uniform after a long, hard shift.

You see, doctor, I know many of you just look THROUGH me, and not AT me. But you female colleague came to me and gave me a hug and shared some tears with me, once we were faced away from everybody else. I know SHE cared for me and SAW me.

Some months ago, you see, I had a pregnancy loss and complications happened so I couldn’t return to work straight away. She had heard (like I am sure you know) and had lost one a few years before.

You see, I am not your worst nightmare facing you. I am a cleaner, have been a patient, a mother and auntie. I have feelings, just like you. I am not a monster. My body has taken other babies to the end and I love them all dearly. Please see me as a person! It would make such a difference to individuals like me.

The Invisible Patient