Reflections from a Brazilian Hospital

 

A few nights ago, around three o’clock in the morning, I returned from an MRI and was finally able to eat and drink a little. I had barely slept in days and was still trying to understand exactly what was happening. Sitting in a hospital room in Salvador, Brazil, I found myself reflecting on how quickly life can change.

What I assumed was a routine illness became something much more serious. The fever persisted, the headaches worsened, and my energy disappeared. Like many people, I convinced myself I could push through it. There was work to do, responsibilities to meet, and problems to solve.

Eventually, my body made it clear that slowing down was no longer optional.

Thankfully, I am now improving, and the finish line appears to be in sight. While I am still awaiting some answers, I have reached the point where I can reflect on the experience rather than simply endure it.

One of the biggest surprises has been the quality of medical care I have received in Brazil. Before moving here, I carried some of the assumptions many Americans have about healthcare systems outside the United States. Those assumptions disappeared quickly. The physicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff have been outstanding, combining professionalism with genuine compassion.

Being hospitalized in another country also presents challenges. My Portuguese continues to improve, but understanding complex medical information while sick and exhausted is not easy. Throughout the process, the patience shown by the medical team made an enormous difference.

As meaningful as the medical care has been, the greatest lesson from this experience has been about people.

Over the past week, I have received messages from family, friends, colleagues, board members, parents, and members of the PASB community. Several friends spent long hours at the hospital keeping me company, helping me stay positive, and reminding me that I was not facing this experience alone.

As someone who moved to Brazil less than a year ago, that support has meant more than I can adequately express. It also made me realize that Salvador has become much more than the city where I work. It has become home.

I have often written about the importance of relationships in schools. This week reminded me that the same principle applies to life itself. When things become difficult, relationships matter.

I am deeply grateful to the healthcare professionals who cared for me and to the many friends, colleagues, and family members who supported me throughout the week.

I certainly would not have chosen to spend time in a hospital room. Yet I will leave this experience with a greater appreciation for my adopted country, a deeper respect for those who work in healthcare, and an even stronger appreciation for the friendships that have become such an important part of my life in Brazil.

Sometimes the most meaningful lessons arrive in unexpected places. One of mine came from a hospital room in Salvador.