NARRATIVE
ESSAYS
A Sigh of Relief Preparations
William A. Hensel, MD
It is only now that I breathe; Snow is predicted.
The emotional sigh of relief. Bread and milk lines form, while I
Refill narcotics.
All of those tense moments;
Strung together with spikes of terror
like sudden crescendos in a piece I did not CORRESPONDENCE: Address correspondence to Dr
understand, nor want to hear. Hensel, Moses Cone Family Medicine Residency Program,
1125 N. Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Bill.hensel@
mosescone.com.
There were no breaks;
Only lapses in thought to ease the pain. From the Moses Cone Family Medicine Residency Program,
Greensboro, NC
The body and mind in a constant state of
battle;
With both sides losing.
All the trying! Then to discover;
Love and acceptance are the only weapons
I possess.
The strength of love and acceptance is great;
And the battle that nearly took a life of its
own, quiets. And the healing begins.
NOTE: This article is being published anonymously at the
request of the author.
(Fam Med 2011;43(1):47.)
FAMILY MEDICINE VOL. 43, NO. 1 • JANUARY 2011 47