Three months into my work, Dr. Mandel offers me a promotion of sorts.
"How would you like your own team?" His enthusiasm and trust radiate through the phone.
I am elated and afraid. Not of the responsibility but of the secret knowledge that in a few months I will need to take maternity leave. The culture of my medical training has taught me that suggesting I have priorities that compete with my patient care is tantamount to career suicide. Yet, working in hospice is a constant reminder of the preciousness of life. And that Kairos can impact Chronos for the better. In other words, maybe care improves when we are allowed to bring our whole selves to our work. Or in my case, bring myself and my child. So, I risk it, and I tell Dr. Mandel the news.
"See!" he says with joy, "Look what happens when you get happy!"
When Kalel is born with my father’s sea-blue eyes, his supernatural power to bring joy to people no matter the circumstance permeates his being. At the age of four months, I don't want to leave his side, and he doesn't want to leave mine. Yet, I am also excited to rejoin my hospice team and care for people. So, the natural solution is for to Kalel to begin his own apprenticeship.
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