Being an Usher (Being that light in a dark world)

How to help

Being an Usher

An excellent friend helped me to crystallize this thought that was poking at the back of my consciousness. That was how to render assistance or help on an independent basis without the involvement of a larger organization. This would be mostly local and at my discretion and entirely my choice to do or not to do. My discussions with my friend and former coworker let the following concept. The concept of being an usher.

Usher: verb

1. show or guide (someone) somewhere.
   "a waiter ushered me to a table."

synonyms:

escort, accompany, help, assist, take, show, see, lead, show someone the way , lead the way, conduct, guide, steer, pilot, shepherd, convoy "he ushered him to a window sea

The ways someone can help are diverse and numerous. At the minimum, it's being courteous and gracious to all and assisting others while and where one can. At maximum, it would require 1^st aid training in the event one comes upon a grave need to be met until official parties arrive then fading into the crowd without recognition or praise. Do what is needed then move on. This is not for extra credit, praise of monetary award. If that happens without ones personal influence then ok, but we are not shopping for that just to be of service.

Example Child lost and crying in the mall an usher will not walk by they will Shepard the young one to the nearest mall security worker and explain the circumstances waiting to be relieved or to being asked to stay with the young person until the authorities arrive.

This endeavor is not risk-free the possibility that your intentions will be questioned is genuine and the only defense you can have is the truth. That should be prepared for, but not shied away from.

When I was active duty military I was required to take a course in self-aid and buddy care, and CPR. That would be good skills to obtain. Please note you are not a lawyer or advocate. Just a concerned citizen that wants to help. If the party does not wish to be supported then report the incident to the authorities and move on knowing that the job has been done. It is also not your job to break up and physical altercations. Rendering 1^st aid is one thing participating in the melee is another thing altogether. Defending one's self is a judgment call that has to be made on the spot as I can't advise anyone on what should and should not be done. That is the risk of being an usher there are no hard and fast rules or guidelines. This may not come out to one's advantage. That the chance that has to be assumed by anyone assisting anyone in a time of crisis as one's motives will be questioned in the aftermath. Remember this can be as small or as involved as one wishes to make it. I'm sure there won't be a problem with wheeling a patient being released from a clinic to a waiting vehicle. About training it will go a long way to explaining the circumstance of your aid of one is certified by a major organization a few are listed below and can are local to most locations.

Resources:

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-training

The American Red Cross offers classes on 1^st aid, and other entities do the same.

https://www.nsc.org/safety-training/first-aid

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.151

finally, there is a biblical reference to the concept.

"What is the spiritual gift of helps?"
Answer: The spiritual gift of helps is found in one of the spiritual gifts lists in the Bible. The Greek word translated “helps” in 1 Corinthians 12:28 is found only there in the New Testament; therefore, the exact meaning of the gift of helps is somewhat obscure. The word translated “helps” means literally “to relieve, succor, participate in, and/or support.” Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. In the application listed above application, there is only the greater church of your neighbors and communities.

This is what I was thinking about for months it took a good friend that I served with and known for years to bring it home for me. This is an outward expression of unrequited love for one's fellows.

And what a week it was

                                                                           

1st of all I am certainly excited to have this chapter in my life concluded and to be

beginning the next step in my continual evolution.  Sunday last I reported to William

Beaumont Army medical center for preadmission for gastric bypass surgery which was

scheduled as the 2nd case the next day. The night was uneventful. On the scheduled surgery

date events conspired to delay my scheduled time for another day. It involved a medivac helicopter; ambulances, and all the available operating rooms utilized. From what I heard from the news my Doc was fully involved in the happenings, and I wasn’t asking questions. That evening my surgeon, the head of the department, totally professional, dedicated and honestly good guy came up to see me.  He was considering doing my case at the close of the day after discussions with him he “rightfully” decided to do it in the 2nd case of the next day that was Tuesday.  It was an excellent decision, and you will know why shortly.  I was ready to go wheeled up with my bride (after all it was our anniversary) ill have you know she was a trooper hanging with her hubby throughout the 1st four days or so 24-7 until I was assigned a roommate in my hospital room. (hospital policy) more about that roommate later. Ok, I was hooked up to the appropriate tubing and was told that I would be given something to relax me before the procedure read “Nite-nite bro.”  5 to 7 hrs later I awoke to 1st gladness then more than a little panic on my part as my right hand was paralyzed from my middle finger to the thumb and the left arm unresponsive and stiff.  It has since then regained function seeing I can type, but it was a scary time until it did. The consensus was (and will be confirmed next week) due to the position of my arms on the table it restricted nerve passages, and due to the duration of the procedure, it restricted my arm mobility.  I also had a sore throat due to the tubing keeping me breathing.  That being said I was informed with the complication’s that were discovered while the surgical team was inside my chest and abdomen. 1st it was two undiagnosed and undiscovered hadal hernias which were repaired and two previously undiagnosed softball-sized tumors that were found near my chest wall and removed. both were benign. I guess it pays to look as I or anyone else had ZERO knowledge of those two issues before my lying down on the table.  The procedure other than that was uneventful and went well. I had little or no pain, and I did not have the chance to push the pain button when I returned to recovery.  But wait there was something else that was lurking in the dark waiting for the smoke to clear.  After two days returned to the ward, I was sent to ICU with some heart arrhythmias that were appearing from time to time with little or no warning.   I have in the past have been diagnosed with arrhythmias, but this one seemed to have to do with the electrical pathways in the heart.  I am following up with a Doctor to run that issue to ground. For now, I am being treated with drugs until a long-term solution can be implemented.  I think it’s called supraventricular tachycardia (but don’t quote me).  Meanwhile, back in the hospital bed in ICU, those issues were coming under control and after a day or so I was returned to my previous room for observation and release.  My coworkers were excellent coming down and encouraging me with their visits and text messages. An outstanding group of people.  I never felt alone and knew I have lots of folks in my corner.   Now for my silly thoughts during the process.  The procedure was an anticlimax (for me) no pain for the most part from the procedure, it was the complications that that had everyone’s full attention including mine. Ok, the 1st of my silliness I never got to push the button.  I won’t take pain meds unless I’m in agony and other than the 1 or 2 times I pushed it to test it, it was removed without fanfare. No IV dalatiid experience for me I, however, did have some significant pain issues once which was treated with liquid OXI.  That stuff is the straight devil’s mouthwash. It will jack one up.  No thanks. Tylenol 3 in liquid form that stuff is just NAS-TEE. I refused it after the 1st dose.  My nemesis was the bottle of water and protein powder mixture flavored with peach iced tea.  If I use the word nasty it’s because I have no words to describe the gag-inducing flavor of that concoction. If supplied a lemonade packet  of sugar free was provided instead of the peach that would be at least palatable even in its nastiness  Now about the complete professional conduct of all involved I was allowed to have my own CPAP unit in the room (a blessing) as the one provided sounded like a jet engine in my face.  I was kept informed at all points of the problems that were emerging and their progress in getting me released. I have appts made for me or instructions are given for the new (gigantic) bag of meds and was released home in time to watch the two football games I was interested in only one thing sleeping in my bed which I did with gusto. I am on a 100% liquid diet as of this writing seeing my protein drinks at the domicile have flavor going for them. I am looking forward to the next step. Found myself searching for bariatric modifications to what I can have (when the time comes) and it seems more diverse than I once suspected, and that’s a good thing.  For future reference learned 3 ways to poach an egg. I was gratified to know that the breakfast in the cafeteria will only require the deletion of bacon from my selection, with the go-to breakfast choice of cottage cheese and pineapple (which I dice up at my desk) to add in is legit as is my love for tuna so it will work out just fine.  I will continue to write on the progress I’m having. In short, I’m glad to be home and the hospital phase over. And let the congregation say AMEN!!!!